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:
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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: Add fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
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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
