Name: Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

These Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs served over creamy Parmesan linguine make for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. Tender meatballs bathed in garlic butter pair perfectly with rich, cheesy pasta for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

This dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy yellow spaghetti noodles coated in smooth sauce, topped with eight well-browned meatballs arranged evenly on top. Each meatball is covered with a light layer of melted cheese and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Grated cheese is scattered lightly over the pasta and meatballs, giving a fine white texture contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with warm natural light highlighting the creamy and savory textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

Season the meatballs with Italian herbs or add a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor and a little kick.
For a low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour in the meatballs.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the heavy cream for a few extra minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little additional butter or sauce to prevent drying out. The creamy linguine is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated separately and reheated with a splash of cream or milk.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with creamy yellow spaghetti noodles arranged in a loose pile at the bottom. On top, there are eight brown meatballs with a slightly crispy texture. Each meatball is covered with a light layer of white melted cheese sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The noodles also have a smooth and creamy texture with a glossy finish, partially covered with white grated cheese. The plate is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use beef, turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats depending on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for the sauce.