Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

If you’re craving cozy comfort food with restaurant-quality flavor, this Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender meatballs are simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce and served atop silky linguine coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a mouthwatering dish perfect for special dinners, date nights, or indulgent weeknight meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Comforting – Creamy pasta and buttery meatballs in one dish
Bold Garlic Flavor – Perfectly balanced with herbs and rich cheese
Family Favorite – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike
Customizable – Swap the pasta, cheese, or herbs to make it your own
Ready in Under an Hour – Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for weeknights

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for searing)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 more garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

• 8 oz linguine
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups milk (or half & half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

Optional Garnish:

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan (for cream sauce)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or pasta fork

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined
Form into small balls (about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter)
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned and mostly cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter
Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant
Return meatballs to the skillet, add herbs and lemon juice, and simmer for 5 minutes, basting meatballs with the sauce
Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine in salted water according to package directions until al dente
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux
Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a gentle simmer
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using
If sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss cooked linguine with the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated
Plate pasta and top with garlic butter meatballs and a spoonful of the garlic butter from the pan
Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Garlic – The key to a great garlic butter flavor
Don’t Overmix Meatballs – Mix gently for tender texture
Brown First, Then Simmer – Searing locks in flavor, finishing in sauce keeps them juicy
Add Pasta Water – Helps the sauce cling to the noodles
Make It Lighter – Use milk instead of cream, and ground turkey instead of beef

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce
A Simple Side Salad – Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette for contrast
Roasted Veggies – Broccoli or asparagus make a great pairing
Glass of Sparkling Water or Lemonade – For a refreshing balance

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Store meatballs and pasta separately if possible for best texture

Freezing:
Freeze meatballs in garlic butter sauce for up to 2 months
Freeze sauce and pasta separately for optimal reheating

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water
Microwave: Reheat in intervals, stirring between, to avoid drying out

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs? Yes, just thaw and warm in the garlic butter sauce
What’s a good Parmesan substitute? Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work well
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and swap flour for cornstarch
Can I use cream instead of milk? Absolutely—use heavy cream for a richer, thicker sauce
Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes, cook meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat just before serving

Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Meatballs over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate indulgent meal—rich, savory, and loaded with garlic and cheese. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you just want something extra comforting and satisfying. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again.

Let us know how yours turned out, and share your twist! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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