Name: Garlic Butter Meatballs: Parmesan Linguine Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork for extra flavor); 1 large egg; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing); 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; Salt to taste; 12 oz linguine; 1 tbsp butter; ¾ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan; Salt & pepper to taste; Pasta water (as needed for consistency)

Description

Garlic Butter Meatballs with Parmesan Linguine is a savory Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs in a garlicky butter sauce, served over rich, creamy Parmesan linguine. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork for extra flavor)
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt to taste
12 oz linguine
1 tbsp butter
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan
Salt & pepper to taste
Pasta water (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking meatballs, or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Finish cooking in the oven if needed.
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Cook linguine according to package instructions; drain, reserving some pasta water.
Add heavy cream and butter to the linguine pan, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Toss until creamy. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
Combine meatballs with garlic butter sauce and serve over the creamy Parmesan linguine.

Notes

Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor in the pasta sauce.
Red pepper flakes are optional for a mild kick; adjust to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop & Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American