Description
This Creamy Parmesan Meatballs with Linguine recipe is a rich and comforting meal featuring tender meatballs, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish offers a satisfying blend of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef or chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg, beaten
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
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2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For the Linguine and Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
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12 oz linguine pasta
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1 cup heavy cream (or light cream for a lighter option)
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs:
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Combine gently without overmixing.
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Form mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 16).
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides (8–10 minutes). Set aside.
Making the Linguine and Sauce:
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Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Combining Everything:
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Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
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Add meatballs back to the skillet and gently toss.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
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For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pasta before serving.
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To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American