Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs With Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Recipes by Clare

It’s funny how I stumbled upon Clare’s Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta just when I needed a quick yet impressive dish for dinner guests. The combination of tender meatballs and a luscious garlic sauce caught my attention, and I couldn’t help but think of the many occasions where this recipe could shine. As I explored the nuances of this dish, I realized there’s more to it than meets the eye—plenty of little tips that can elevate a simple meal to something memorable. Curious about what those might be?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and ease of preparation. The juicy meatballs, made with ground beef or pork, combine savory garlic and freshly grated Parmesan.

Mixing a few simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasonings takes just minutes. You’ll form the meatballs into uniform sizes for even cooking, ensuring they brown nicely in a blend of butter and olive oil.

Plus, the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich touch that complements the dish. Serve it over your favorite pasta, like linguine, for a complete meal.

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy the delicious results!

History

The origins of meatballs trace back to various cultures, each bringing their unique twist to this beloved dish.

In Italy, meatballs often combine beef, pork, and spices, served with pasta and marinara sauce.

In Sweden, you might find them served with lingonberry sauce and creamy gravy, creating a comforting meal.

The Middle East has its own version, with spices like cumin and coriander adding a flavorful kick.

These delightful bites became popular for their versatility and ease of preparation.

Throughout the years, meatballs have evolved, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

Today, they remain a favorite in many households, showcasing how a simple dish can unite different culinary traditions around the world.

Recipe

Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying, this Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe is just what you need. The combination of juicy meatballs, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates an irresistible dish that’s sure to please the entire family.

This recipe balances savory flavors with a creamy texture, making it ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. Making meatballs from scratch may seem challenging, but with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find it surprisingly easy.

The key to achieving tender meatballs lies in the careful mixing of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, as well as ensuring they’re cooked to perfection. Pairing them with a luscious garlic butter sauce and your choice of pasta elevates this dish to a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20) or pork
• ½ cup homemade breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 5 cloves garlic (2 minced for sauce, 3 for meatballs)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz linguine or preferred pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

6. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Add the meatballs back into the skillet and gently mix to coat them in the sauce.

7. Serve: Plate the linguine in a swirl on each dish, top with meatballs, and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Extra Tips:

For extra moisture in your meatballs, consider soaking the breadcrumbs in a bit of milk before mixing them with the other ingredients. This simple step can make a significant difference in achieving tender, juicy meatballs.

Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost. If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and pasta separately, adding cream only when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

While preparing this Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe, I was reminded of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying.

This dish isn’t only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The juicy meatballs paired with creamy Parmesan pasta create a delightful combination that’s sure to impress.

Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Don’t forget to save some pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors that come from your own kitchen.

FAQ

As you prepare to enjoy your Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs, you might’ve some questions about the recipe or its variations.

First, you can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely.

For storage, keep the meatballs and pasta separate in the fridge, and reheat them with the sauce added. If you want to make ahead, freeze the meatballs and cook pasta fresh later.

Finally, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the dish. These adjustments allow you to customize the meal to suit your taste preferences.

Enjoy your cooking experience!