Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs served over creamy
These easy garlic butter meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Served over a creamy pasta, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 large skillet
- 1 cooking pot
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 large serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 8 oz pasta of choice e.g., fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. If desired, add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve the creamy pasta topped with the garlic butter meatballs and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the creamy pasta for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.