Description
This Parmesan Linguine and Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a cozy dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork for extra flavor)
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt to taste
For the Parmesan Linguine:
12 oz linguine
1 tbsp butter
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls (about 20–24).Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, browning on all sides (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Return meatballs to the pan, spoon sauce over, and simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through.Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. In a saucepan, melt butter, add cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add pasta water to loosen if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Toss pasta in the sauce until fully coated.Plate & Serve
Serve pasta in bowls topped with meatballs. Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over top and garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
Notes
Use a mix of beef and turkey for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
Don’t skip pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the linguine.
Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 710 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg