If you're searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that's both easy to prepare and sure to impress, look no further than this recipe for Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs served over creamy Parmesan linguine. This dish combines tender, juicy meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, nestled atop a bed of rich, creamy Parmesan-coated linguine. It's perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick to make—ready in 40 minutes
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Rich, buttery, and garlicky flavor
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Perfectly creamy Parmesan pasta
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Kid-friendly and satisfying
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Customizable with protein or pasta swaps
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
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Ground beef
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Breadcrumbs
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Egg
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Garlic
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Butter
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Olive oil
For the Linguine:
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Linguine pasta
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Unsalted butter
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Garlic
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley
Directions
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Make meatballs: Mix meatball ingredients in a bowl and shape into 1-inch balls.
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Cook meatballs: Brown meatballs in butter and oil for 8–10 minutes; set aside.
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Cook pasta: Boil linguine until al dente; reserve pasta water.
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Make sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add cream and seasoning, then Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
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Combine: Toss pasta in sauce, adding water as needed.
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Serve: Top with meatballs and parsley.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken
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Try red pepper flakes for heat
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Add spinach or herbs to meatballs
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Swap linguine for spaghetti, penne, or zoodles
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Make dairy-free using plant-based substitutes
Storage/Reheating
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Store in fridge (up to 3 days) in airtight container
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Freeze meatballs and pasta separately (up to 3 months)
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Reheat on stovetop with splash of cream or butter
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Microwave portions 1–2 minutes until hot
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work great.
Can the meatballs be prepped ahead?
Yes, refrigerate uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours or freeze for later.
Is this dish dairy-free friendly?
Yes, substitute with plant-based cream, cheese, and butter.
Can I use leaner meat?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of cream or milk and reheat gently.
Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
What sides pair well?
Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables work wonderfully.
How do I avoid dry meatballs?
Don't overmix the meat and avoid overcooking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
What's a good wine pairing?
Try Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or light Pinot Noir.
Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, with simple ingredients and a rich taste that’ll please any crowd. Ideal for busy nights or special dinners, it’s a reliable, satisfying go-to meal.
Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Served Over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a rich, satisfying dinner made in just 40 minutes. Juicy homemade meatballs are sautéed in garlicky butter and served atop velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with linguine. It’s a comforting, family-friendly pasta dish perfect for weeknights or guests!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Linguine:
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
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Make meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls.
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Cook meatballs: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs for 8–10 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.
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Cook pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer until thick and creamy.
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Combine: Toss linguine into the sauce, using pasta water to loosen if needed.
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Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with meatballs. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes if preferred.
- Stir in spinach or herbs for extra freshness.
- Make it dairy-free with plant-based butter, cream, and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
