There’s just something so comforting about a plate of easy garlic butter meatballs served over creamy parmesan linguine, isn’t there? It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug right when you need it. I love how simple it is to whip up, yet it never fails to impress! You’ve got tender, juicy meatballs swimming in rich, buttery goodness, all tossed with luscious linguine that’s so creamy, you can’t help but savor every bite. Trust me, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with loved ones, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Served Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
How to Prepare Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Served Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for cooking those meatballs perfectly, giving them that nice golden-brown exterior while keeping them juicy inside. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and the egg. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. I like to mix it all together with my hands—it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly combined. Just make sure not to overmix; we want tender meatballs, not tough ones!
Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs! I usually aim for about 1-inch size—just a little bite-sized goodness. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space so they can bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Oh, the smell will be amazing!
Step 4: Cook the Linguine
While those meatballs are baking, let’s get the linguine going! Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Make sure to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get mushy. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, onto the creamy sauce! In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes to get them coated in that buttery goodness. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens up a bit—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything until the pasta is well-coated in that luscious creamy sauce. Serve it up with those glorious meatballs on top, and maybe a sprinkle of extra parsley or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Delicious flavor that combines savory meatballs with creamy, rich sauce
- Perfect for families, making it an easy weeknight dinner
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s like a warm hug on a plate
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or spices for an extra kick
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make these easy garlic butter meatballs and creamy parmesan linguine even more fabulous! Here are some of my top tips to ensure you nail this dish every time:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh parsley and high-quality parmesan cheese really elevates the flavor. If you can, skip the pre-packaged stuff and go for freshly grated cheese.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste the meatball mixture before forming them, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra garlic never hurts either!
- Meat Choices: Feel free to mix up the ground meat! Ground turkey or chicken can lighten things up, while mixing beef with pork adds a lovely richness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This water is starchy and will help bind everything together.
- Leftovers Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for an easy lunch the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
With these tips, you’re all set for a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like portion sizes and individual ingredient variations can all affect the final numbers. So, while I do my best to provide accurate information, it’s always a good idea to double-check based on what you’re using in your kitchen. Happy cooking and enjoy those meatballs!
FAQ About Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Served Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven for even cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal is delicious on its own, but if you want to add some extras, a simple side salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully with the easy garlic butter meatballs and creamy parmesan linguine. It’s all about that comforting vibe!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While linguine is a classic choice, you can swap it out for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if you need. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they might vary a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yep! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. So convenient!
Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy garlic butter meatballs served over creamy parmesan linguine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Serve meatballs over creamy linguine.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter meatballs, creamy parmesan linguine, easy meatball recipe