Garlic Butter Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of comforting, restaurant-style meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Juicy, tender meatballs are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy parmesan sauce that coats every bite. This dish is indulgent, cozy, and full of bold flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want a satisfying meal that feels a little extra without being complicated.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the meatballs and sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture so the meatballs stay tender.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches wide. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix until everything is well coated. Let the dish simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

• Use ground chicken or turkey for lighter meatballs
• Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce
• Use pecorino romano instead of parmesan
• Add red pepper flakes for heat

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Top with extra parmesan and parsley
• Serve with roasted vegetables on the side

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that brings together juicy meatballs, buttery garlic flavor, and a silky parmesan sauce in one irresistible meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.