Thank you so much for being here really. I don’t take it lightly that you’ve landed on my page. If you’re here looking for the coziest, most indulgent bowl of pasta to end the day with a smile… you’re in the right place. This Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine is all the things: golden, garlicky, herby, creamy… and downright irresistible.
Loaded with juicy homemade meatballs coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over perfectly cooked linguine this dish is fancy enough for guests, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.
What Is Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine?
Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine is a comforting pasta dish made with seasoned meatballs seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious garlic butter sauce and served over linguine. It’s cozy, rich, and packed with flavor thanks to the browned meatballs, fresh herbs, and creamy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful meatballs
- Rich garlicky butter sauce with parmesan
- One-pan for meatballs + simple pasta boil
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Feels gourmet without the fuss
What Does It Taste Like?
The flavor here is dreamy. You get the deep savory richness from the seared meatballs, a silky garlic butter sauce that hugs the noodles, and just a touch of brightness from parsley and parmesan. The garlic butter clings to every strand of pasta. It’s buttery, meaty, herby — basically comfort food in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (or more as needed)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine (or spaghetti)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Grater for fresh parmesan
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for the meatballs
- Add baby spinach or peas for a veggie boost
- Stir in a splash of cream or milk for an even silkier sauce
- Swap linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta
How to Make Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley. Roll into 1.5-inch balls.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sear meatballs until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes total). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Boil the Pasta: While the meatballs cook, boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Add cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat. Add pasta, parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce is glossy and coats everything.
- Serve: Plate the pasta with meatballs, extra parmesan, and a sprinkle of parsley. Enjoy warm!
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
- Garlic knots or warm baguette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
- Don’t crowd the skillet when searing meatballs — work in batches if needed.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water before draining — it’s key for emulsifying the sauce.
- Want creamier sauce? Stir in a tablespoon of cream or cream cheese at the end.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, then toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely. Just cook or warm them up first and proceed with the garlic butter step.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all — but you can add red pepper flakes to turn up the heat!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and certified GF breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels indulgent, cozy, and weeknight-easy, this Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine is it. Whether you serve it up with wine for date night or make a double batch for the family, it’s a recipe worth repeating.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Garlic Butter Meatballs Linguine is a creamy, cozy pasta dish loaded with juicy meatballs, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or date night at home.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb ground beef or chicken
– 1 egg
– ¼ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp grated parmesan
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the Sauce:
– 4 tbsp butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ cup grated parmesan
– ½ cup reserved pasta water
– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
– 8 oz linguine
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Mix meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form into 1.5-inch balls.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute.
5. Return meatballs to skillet. Add pasta, parmesan, and pasta water. Toss until saucy and glossy.
6. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and more parmesan.
Notes
– For creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
– Use store-bought meatballs for a shortcut.
– Great for meal prep reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, meatball linguine, creamy pasta with meatballs, easy pasta dinner, comfort food, homemade meatballs
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