Creamy Parmesan Pasta & Garlic Butter Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or beef sausage)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz ditalini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• extra parmesan cheese (for topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef sausage), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

4. 4

   Mix the ingredients together and roll the mixture into small meatballs.

5. 5

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

6. 6

   Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through.

7. 7

   Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

8. 8

   In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

9. 9

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

10. 10

    Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

11. 11

    Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.

12. 12

    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is fully coated and creamy.

13. 13

    Plate the creamy pasta and serve with the meatballs on the side.

14. 14

    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Perfect for cozy family dinners or restaurant-style homemade pasta nights. You can substitute ditalini with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• pasta
• meatballs
• comfort food
• creamy
• cheesy
• Italian-inspired