Creamy Ranch Meatball Fettuccine
Indulge your family with this creamy, zesty pasta dish that marries traditional Italian flavors with a delightful ranch twist. Our Creamy Ranch Meatball Fettuccine brings together savory ground pork meatballs infused with Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning for that familiar comfort food taste. The luscious sauce, made with whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, creates a rich, velvety coating for al dente fettuccine, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. This dish is sure to please the whole family, making mealtime a joyful gathering. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of tastes brought together in a single pot!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground pork
1 lb (raw)
parmesan cheese
2 1/4 cups (grated, divided)
plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (none)
plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 oz (divided)
Hidden Valley Ranch Fiesta Dip Mix
1 oz (divided)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
refrigerated fresh fettuccine
2 (9 oz) packages (none)
margarine
6 tablespoons (none)
whipping cream
3 cups (none)
coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chives
1/4 cup (chopped small)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, egg, half of the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix, half of the Hidden Valley Ranch Fiesta Dip Mix, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Shape the mixture into approximately thirty 1 1/2 inch meatballs and arrange them on a greased 11x16 baking sheet.
4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5
While the meatballs are baking, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
6
In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the whipping cream, the remaining Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix, the remaining Fiesta Ranch Dip Mix, and coarse black pepper. Stir gently and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly (do not boil).
7
Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
8
Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the skillet and gently toss to coat them with the creamy sauce.
9
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine and pour the meatball and sauce mixture over the top. Toss to combine everything evenly.
10
Finish by sprinkling chopped chives over the dish and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch Meatball Fettuccine?
It is a zesty pasta dish that combines Italian-style fettuccine with ground pork meatballs seasoned with Hidden Valley Ranch, all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground pork.
What seasoning mixes are required for this recipe?
You will need both Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix and Hidden Valley Ranch Fiesta Dip Mix.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
What is the internal temperature goal for the meatballs?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into approximately thirty 1 1/2 inch meatballs.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically uses refrigerated fresh fettuccine for a rich, authentic texture.
What makes the meatball mixture moist?
The addition of plain Greek yogurt and a beaten egg helps keep the meatballs moist and serves as a binder.
How is the creamy sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by melting margarine and combining it with whipping cream, ranch seasonings, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I boil the sauce?
No, you should stir the sauce gently and allow it to thicken over medium heat without letting it reach a boil.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce?
Add the remaining Parmesan cheese after the cream and seasonings have simmered for 7 to 8 minutes.
How many packages of fettuccine are needed?
The recipe requires two 9 oz packages of refrigerated fresh fettuccine.
Is there a specific garnish recommended?
Yes, the dish is finished with a sprinkle of 1/4 cup of small-chopped chives.
What kind of fat is used to start the sauce?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of margarine to begin the sauce base.
How much whipping cream is used?
The recipe uses 3 cups of whipping cream to create the luscious sauce.
Are the ranch seasonings divided?
Yes, half of each ranch mix goes into the meatball mixture and the other half goes into the sauce.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain breadcrumbs are used to provide structure to the meatballs.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food dish designed to please both kids and adults.
What type of pepper is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/2 teaspoon of coarse black pepper.
What type of pepper is used in the meatballs?
The meatball mixture uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You should use a greased 11x16 baking sheet for the meatballs.
How is the dish assembled?
Once cooked, the fettuccine is combined with the meatballs and sauce in a large serving bowl and tossed evenly.
Can I use dry fettuccine instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use dry fettuccine; just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features traditional Italian flavors with a zesty, creamy ranch twist.
How much sea salt is in the recipe?
The meatball mixture includes 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
Do I need to mix the meatball ingredients by hand?
Yes, the recipe suggests using your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the cheese cook in the sauce?
Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes after adding the Parmesan until it is fully melted.
What is the total amount of Parmesan cheese needed?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of grated Parmesan cheese in total, divided between the meatballs and the sauce.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it involves multiple steps, it is described as bringing flavors together into a single pot for the final presentation.