01 -
Combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls (about 20–24 total) and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Return meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
04 -
Cook linguine according to package directions while meatballs simmer. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Thin with pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Toss cooked linguine in the sauce until coated.
05 -
Serve meatballs over a bed of creamy linguine. Drizzle with extra garlic butter from the pan. Garnish with more parsley and Parmesan.