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Garlic Butter Meatballs

Garlic Butter Meatballs: A Comforting Italian Delight

Indulge in Garlic Butter Meatballs over creamy linguine, a comforting Italian dish perfect for any dinner occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Consider a blend with ground pork for added flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Provides texture.
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley Basil works as a replacement.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Always opt for fresh garlic.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Can use white pepper for a milder taste.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for searing.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Add 1 tbsp for pasta later.
  • 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Can use vinegar as alternative.
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Linguine Substitute with spaghetti or gluten-free pasta.
  • 0.75 cup Heavy Cream For a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Pasta Water Important for adjusting sauce consistency.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes and lemon juice, then add meatballs. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Boil salted water and cook linguine according to package instructions, around 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then mix in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Serve linguine topped with garlic butter meatballs, drizzled with remaining sauce, and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture for tender meatballs and save some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.

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