Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Indulgent, savory, and ultra-satisfying, these Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine are the ultimate comfort food dish. Juicy homemade meatballs are pan-seared in fragrant garlic butter, then served atop tender linguine tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an irresistible dinner that brings restaurant-style quality straight to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Flavorful – Buttery garlic meatballs and cheesy pasta are a match made in heaven.
Family Favorite – A hearty, cozy meal everyone will request again.
Simple Yet Elegant – Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Customizable – Use beef, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs.
Complete Meal – Protein, carbs, and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs
4. In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix just until combined and form into 1½-inch meatballs.
6. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
7. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
8. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic.
9. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
11. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
12. Stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
13. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Combine & Serve
14. Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
15. Place garlic butter meatballs on top or gently fold them into the pasta.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Meatballs and Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic – It’s key for rich, aromatic flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Keep the meatball mixture tender.
Simmer Gently – Don’t boil the cream sauce or it may curdle.
Adjust Sauce Consistency – Add reserved pasta water to thin or extra cheese to thicken.
Let Meatballs Rest – Resting helps retain juices and finish cooking through.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Steamed Broccoli – A crisp, healthy contrast.
Caesar Salad – Brings a fresh crunch to the meal.
Roasted Asparagus – Elegant and simple.
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Keeps things bright and balanced.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs and pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze meatballs separately in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.
• Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
   Yes—just cook them in the garlic butter before adding to the pasta.
2. What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
   Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the richest flavor.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and check labels on all ingredients.
4. Is there a lighter version?
   Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream, and lean turkey for the meatballs.
5. Can I prep this ahead?
   Yes—make the meatballs and sauce ahead, then cook the pasta fresh and assemble when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine recipe delivers on all fronts—rich, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. With tender, flavor-packed meatballs and a silky cheese sauce coating every strand of pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your garlic butter masterpieces.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 610 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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