Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with these easy garlic butter meatballs served over creamy Parmesan linguine. This dish combines tender meatballs infused with garlic and butter with rich, cheesy pasta for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 8 oz (225g) linguine (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter to absorb the flavor.
8. Step 8: In a pot, gently heat the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Toss the creamy Parmesan sauce with the cooked linguine to coat evenly.
10. Step 10: Serve the linguine topped with garlic butter meatballs and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb or gluten-free version.
• Try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti based on your preference.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and creamy linguine separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just thaw and reheat them in the garlic butter sauce before serving with the linguine.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Heat the cream slowly over low heat and add the Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.

Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

This Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Served over creamy Parmesan linguine, this comforting dish combines savory Italian flavors with a luscious, creamy pasta for a complete and satisfying meal perfect for any night.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

• 8 oz (225g) linguine (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
5. Cook Linguine: While meatballs bake, cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
6. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
7. Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with garlic butter and gently toss to coat the meatballs, letting them soak up the flavors.
8. Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate pot, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
10. Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan linguine and top with the garlic butter meatballs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make this recipe low-carb or gluten-free friendly.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly before mixing with pasta.
• Fresh garlic is best for the sauce to impart robust flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Make sure not to overcook the meatballs to keep them juicy and tender.

Keywords: garlic butter meatballs, creamy parmesan linguine, easy Italian dinner, baked meatballs, homemade meatballs, garlic butter sauce, creamy pasta, comfort food