Description
Succulent garlic butter meatballs bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, herby flavors dancing through each tender bite. Homemade comfort meets elegant simplicity, promising a meal that delights and satisfies hungry diners craving classic, hearty goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine
- 1 large egg
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
- 3 minced garlic cloves for sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan for sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Craft succulent meatballs by gently blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, and herbs until just combined.
- Shape mixture into uniform, compact spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place meatballs into hot pan, ensuring space between each piece for even browning.
- Rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes, cooking for 8-10 minutes until golden exterior develops and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove meatballs and set aside, keeping warm.
- In same skillet, boil salted water and cook linguine until perfectly al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Reduce heat and melt fresh butter in skillet, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into pan, whisking continuously and allowing sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety.
- Gently fold linguine into cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Nestle cooked meatballs atop pasta, garnishing with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meat like beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that won’t compromise flavor or texture.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for more authentic, robust taste and better melting consistency.
- Use room temperature egg when mixing meatballs to help ingredients bind more smoothly and create tender, juicy results.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for subtle heat and depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg