If you are looking for a mouthwatering dish that brings together juicy chicken, rich buttery garlic, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, then the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting, elegant meal that feels special but comes together with ease. Tender chicken meatballs coated in garlic butter sit atop a bed of perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s one of those dishes that hooks you from the first bite with its warm, savory flavors and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an important role in crafting the vibrant flavors and perfect textures in this dish. From the ground chicken providing tender meatballs to the heavy cream creating that silky sauce, these items are simple yet essential.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Provides the juicy, lean base for the chicken balls ensuring tenderness without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the chicken mixture and keeps the meatballs light and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the meatballs, enhancing their flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together so the chicken balls hold their shape perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic garlic flavor into the meatballs for that signature punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs like oregano and basil to elevate the meatballs.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the chicken balls.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances natural tastes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking meatballs): Creates a rich, golden crust when frying the chicken balls.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce): Builds the base of the luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the pasta.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce): Infuses the sauce with savory garlic aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the silky, creamy texture that makes the sauce so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melts into the sauce, delivering a cheesy, tangy finish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Adjust seasoning to perfect the sauce flavor.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions: The perfect pasta base to catch all the creamy goodness and complement the chicken balls.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls
Begin by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken balls, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them gently, turning occasionally, so they develop a golden brown crust on all sides and are cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute – don’t let it burn or turn bitter! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes beautifully creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss well to coat every strand. Then gently nestle the chicken balls back into the skillet, allowing them to soak up some of that delicious sauce. Warm everything through for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds! Transfer to plates, garnish if desired, and dig in while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a vibrant color contrast and fresh aroma atop this rich dish. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring that little extra something to each serving.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread works wonderfully to scoop up every bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the chicken balls on top of twirled nests of pasta in shallow bowls. Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over everything, or even plate individual meatballs skewered with fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer-style option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more after resting, making leftovers a delightful second meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially the chicken balls on their own. Freeze the cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze the sauce separately but it’s best to toss with freshly cooked pasta after thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Stir often to prevent sticking and preserve the luscious texture that makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a great substitute and will provide a similar texture. Just be sure to adjust seasoning and monitor cooking time since turkey can dry out faster.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after it’s fully assembled?
It’s best to freeze the components separately: freeze the cooked chicken balls and sauce apart, and cook fresh pasta when you reheat to maintain the best texture.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Garlic butter flavor may be harder to replicate without real butter, but plant-based butter can be tried.
How can I make the chicken balls crispier?
After frying them in butter, you can finish cooking the chicken balls in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to get a crispier exterior without overcooking the inside.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal since their long, thin strands hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with fettuccine or even short pasta like penne depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes to make and share. It hits all those cozy flavor notes while feeling indulgent yet approachable. I genuinely hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious, creamy bite as much as I do!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Balls recipe pairs tender, flavorful chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. The chicken balls are seasoned with Italian herbs and sautéed in garlic butter, then served alongside spaghetti coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making it a perfect comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Balls
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Balls: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside on a tray.
- Cook Chicken Balls: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls in batches, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Remove and keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti or linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Gently nestle the cooked chicken balls into the pasta and sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender; panko can be used for a lighter texture.
- Cooking the pasta just before finishing the sauce ensures everything is served hot and fresh.
- For a lower calorie alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a thinner sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
