Description
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a garlic-butter sauce served over creamy Parmesan linguine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or 50/50 beef and pork for more flavor)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 tbsp butter (for cream sauce)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for cream sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, 2 tbsp parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or a fork until just combined.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs, about 20–24.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer without crowding. Brown each side, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes. Sizzle for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the meatballs to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- While meatballs finish, boil linguine according to package directions and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over low heat. Add ¾ cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in ¾ cup grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Add drained linguine to the cream sauce and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed.
- Plate creamy linguine and top with meatballs, then spoon additional garlic-butter sauce over. Garnish with parsley and extra grated Parmesan.
Notes
This dish can be adapted with different proteins or made ahead. Great for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian