Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Served Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
This comforting weeknight dinner features juicy garlic butter meatballs served over creamy Parmesan linguine, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use more for serving.
- 1 large egg Helps bind meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp butter For cooking meatballs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Helps brown the meatballs.
For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine
- 12 oz linguine pasta Can substitute with another pasta type.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter Used for sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a rich, creamy sauce.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Mixed into the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Adds a fresh finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and brown them for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, adjusting the thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine and Serve
- Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Plate the pasta and top it with meatballs, adding extra sauce and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Reheats beautifully. For meal prep, store meatballs separate from sauce and pasta. Feel free to experiment with different pasta or add veggies.