![**Holiday Seafood Spaghetti + Salmon Meatballs** This Holiday Seafood Spaghetti with Salmon Meatballs is the perfect dish to bring a little luxury to your weeknight meals or holiday spreads. Picture this: tender salmon meatballs, perfectly seasoned, nestled into a rich, garlicky seafood sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. The combination of fresh seafood and the buttery flavor of salmon creates a comforting, yet sophisticated meal that's sure to be a hit. Trust me, you’re going to love this—whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a showstopper for a festive gathering, this dish checks all the boxes. **Why You’ll Love Holiday Seafood Spaghetti + Salmon Meatballs** This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite: **Versatile:** Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends. **Budget-Friendly:** Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying. **Quick and Easy:** Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress. **Customizable:** Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly. **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite. **Ingredients** Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that combine beautifully to create something special. Let’s break it down: **Salmon:** The star of the show. Flaky, buttery salmon gives these meatballs their rich flavor and tender texture. You can’t go wrong with this fish—it’s both delicious and healthy. **Breadcrumbs:** These add the perfect texture to your meatballs, making them light and tender while helping hold everything together. **Eggs:** Essential for binding the salmon and breadcrumbs, giving the meatballs structure without compromising their delicate texture. **Garlic:** For that aromatic, savory kick that infuses the meatballs and the sauce. **Seafood (shrimp, mussels, or scallops):** Adds depth and an irresistible ocean-fresh flavor to the pasta sauce. You get all the best flavors from the sea in every bite. **Spaghetti:** Long, golden strands of pasta to carry all that delicious sauce and tender salmon meatballs. It’s simple, but it makes all the difference. **Cream:** For a rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta and seafood perfectly, creating a smooth and indulgent dish. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.) **Instructions** Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece: **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and get that perfect golden exterior. **Prepare Your Salmon Meatballs:** In a large mixing bowl, combine your fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork it. You want your meatballs to be light and airy, not dense. **Shape Your Meatballs:** Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. **Cook the Salmon Meatballs:** Bake your meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They should be tender and juicy on the inside. **Make the Seafood Sauce:** While your meatballs cook, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then toss in your seafood (shrimp, mussels, or scallops). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the seafood turns opaque. **Add the Cream and Simmer:** Pour in the cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like—maybe a dash of paprika for a little extra warmth. **Cook the Spaghetti:** While the sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. **Combine and Serve:** Gently fold the cooked salmon meatballs into the creamy seafood sauce. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce, making sure every strand is coated with the rich, flavorful mixture. **Serve and Enjoy:** Plate up this delicious seafood spaghetti and enjoy the tender meatballs and creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan for that extra pop of flavor. **Nutrition Facts** Servings: \[Number of servings] Calories per serving: \[Calorie count per serving] **Preparation Time** Prep Time: \[Time to prepare ingredients] Cook Time: \[Time to cook or bake] Total Time: \[Total time needed] **How to Serve Holiday Seafood Spaghetti + Salmon Meatballs** This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience: **Fresh Salads:** Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors. **Crusty Bread:** Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully. **Creamy Accompaniments:** Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile. **Vegetable Sides:** Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal. **As a Standalone:** Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch. Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop. **Additional Tips** Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe: **Prep Ahead:** Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh. **Spice It Up:** Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist. **Dietary Adjustments:** If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options. **Storage Tips:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to \[time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor. **Double the Batch:** This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days. **FAQ Section** **Q1: Can I substitute \[ingredient] with \[alternative ingredient]?** **A1:** Absolutely! For instance, if you don’t have seafood on hand, you can use chicken or turkey for the meatballs. It may slightly alter the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious. **Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?** **A2:** Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to the point of baking the meatballs, then store everything separately in the fridge. Reheat just before serving. **Q3: How do I store leftovers?** **A3:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture. **Q4: Can I freeze this dish?** **A4:** Yes! Place the completed dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. **Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?** **A5:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. **Q6: Can I double the recipe?** **A6:** Definitely! This recipe is easy to double, just make sure to use a larger baking dish and possibly cook in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly. **Q7: Can I use frozen seafood?** **A7:** Yes, frozen seafood works well too! Just make sure to thaw it before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce. **Q8: What if I don’t like salmon?** **A8:** No problem! You can substitute the salmon with another fish like cod or tilapia for a similar texture. **Q9: Is there a gluten-free version?** **A9:** Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your pasta is gluten-free as well. **Q10: Can I make this dairy-free?** **A10:** Yes! Swap the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the dish creamy and rich without the dairy. **Conclusion** This Holiday Seafood Spaghetti + Salmon Meatballs is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy celebration of flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!](https://cooktune.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0admin01_httpss.mj_.runi595X3zUy40_Mid-range_shot_of_a_plated__3a0f4ab0-3d80-407b-91d5-8b8fdeb7c4cb_3-150x150.png.webp)
Description
A festive and comforting seafood pasta dish featuring creamy white sauce and tender salmon meatballs, perfect for holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter, bacon drippings, or olive oil
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/3 cups half and half, divided
- 1 cup chicken stock or chicken bone stock
- 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup grated cheese (parmesan, asiago, and romano blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, to finish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
- When the butter has melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until the roux is a pale blond color.
- Whisk in the half and half (reserving 1/3 cup), chicken stock, and smoked paprika.
- Continue to whisk, then add the grated cheeses and stir until melted into the sauce.
- Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Set the sauce aside. If it thickens before serving, stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of half and half and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Notes
- You can substitute the butter with bacon drippings or olive oil for added flavor.
- Use any combination of hard cheeses you like, but parmesan, asiago, and romano give a rich depth.
- To reheat, gently warm over low heat and stir in a splash of cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 90mg