Indulge in a dreamy, comforting dinner with Garlic Butter Meatballs & Parmesan Linguine. Juicy, golden-brown meatballs are soaked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served atop creamy Parmesan linguine. This dish is packed with flavor, and it’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and garlicky goodness that will leave everyone at the table craving more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings ultimate comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy meatballs with a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s sure to please anyone who loves garlic and rich flavors. The garlic butter sauce perfectly coats the meatballs, while the Parmesan linguine adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dish. With just one pan for the meatballs and another for the pasta, this meal is simple to make, yet feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor—your family will love it!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
For the Pasta:
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8 oz linguine
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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¼ cup heavy cream
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Salt & pepper
directions
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Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
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Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through (about 7–10 minutes). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the meatballs back into the pan and coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated.
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Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
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Make the Creamy Linguine: Toss the cooked linguine with grated Parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
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Serve: Plate the creamy linguine and top with the garlic butter meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Calories per serving: 625 kcal
Variations
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Chicken Meatballs: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative to beef.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of heat.
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Herbaceous Twist: Try adding a pinch of fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
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Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, sauté spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the garlic butter sauce before adding the meatballs.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta and meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just bake or cook them from frozen when ready.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can swap out the linguine for any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the dish, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs and substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version or plant-based cream.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can use plant-based meatballs or homemade vegetarian meatballs, and replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re cooked completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or skillet when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a similar flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs. Just heat them through in the garlic butter sauce for a quicker version of the recipe.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce spicier?
For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
Can I add more cheese to the pasta?
Yes! You can add extra grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or any cheese you like to make the pasta even cheesier.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Meatballs & Parmesan Linguine Dream is the ultimate comfort food dinner. With juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over creamy, cheesy linguine, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this pasta and meatball combo is a guaranteed winner.
Print
Garlic Butter Meatballs & Parmesan Linguine Dream
Garlic Butter Meatballs & Parmesan Linguine Dream combines juicy, golden meatballs in a rich garlic butter sauce served over creamy Parmesan linguine. This indulgent yet easy-to-make dish brings the perfect balance of savory, garlicky goodness, and creamy comfort. A satisfying, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
For the Pasta:
8 oz linguine
½ cup grated Parmesan
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
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Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through (7-10 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add meatballs back into the skillet and coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
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Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
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Make the Creamy Linguine: Toss the cooked linguine with grated Parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
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Serve: Plate the creamy linguine and top with garlic butter meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Variations:
-
Chicken Meatballs: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative to beef.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of heat.
-
Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
-
Add Veggies: Sauté spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the garlic butter sauce for added nutrition.
-
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Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by warming in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-frying & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
