Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Rich, savory, and full of flavor, these Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine are the ultimate comfort food. Juicy beef meatballs are simmered in fragrant garlic butter and served atop silky linguine coated in a luxurious parmesan cream sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in, weekend family dinners, or anytime you want to serve a restaurant-style meal at home—without the fuss.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Yet Simple – A gourmet-style dish made with easy steps.
Garlic Lovers’ Dream – Butter and garlic infuse every bite with irresistible flavor.
Perfectly Juicy Meatballs – Tender, flavorful, and pan-seared to perfection.
Ultra Creamy Pasta – Linguine tossed in a smooth, cheesy parmesan sauce.
Great for Date Night or Family Dinner – Comforting and elegant all in one dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 more garlic cloves, minced (for the garlic butter finish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• Reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup, if needed)
• Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 16–18 meatballs total).

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in a single layer (do this in batches if needed).
Sear for 6–8 minutes total, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic during the last minute and sauté until fragrant.
Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine
While the meatballs cook, boil a large pot of salted water.
Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in the cream and stir gently, then add the Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit while you prepare to serve.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Plate the creamy linguine and top with garlic butter meatballs.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Meatballs and Linguine
Use Fresh Garlic – It brings the dish alive with aroma and flavor.
Don’t Overmix Meatballs – Light handling makes them tender, not tough.
Pasta Water is Gold – A splash loosens and silks up the sauce beautifully.
Grate Your Own Cheese – Pre-grated Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly.
Add Lemon Zest – A touch of zest brightens the whole dish.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Fresh Greens – Pair with a simple arugula or Caesar salad.
Wine Pairing – A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a boost.
Date Night – Serve with candles and your favorite music—comfort food can be romantic too!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze meatballs separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream sauce (it may separate).

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat pasta with a splash of milk or cream over low heat until smooth.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring often, until warmed through.
Meatballs: Reheat in skillet or microwave until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time slightly—lean meats cook faster and may need a little extra oil.

2. Is there a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the meatballs and pasta ahead, but make the cream sauce just before serving for best texture.

4. What if I don’t have linguine?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle are all great alternatives.

5. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them there for seconds. It’s rich, cozy, and indulgent without being complicated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little love, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.

Try it and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your dish photos on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6):
Calories: 620 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 35g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

Print