Short Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken balls cooked in buttery garlic sauce and served over a luscious parmesan-infused pasta. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Flavorful Chicken Balls – Infused with garlic, parmesan, and herbs for the perfect bite.
- Rich & Creamy Parmesan Sauce – A velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with a quick cooking process.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners or special gatherings.
- Versatile – Serve with different pasta types or even as a low-carb dish over zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 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
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Making the Chicken Balls:
- Prepare the mixture – In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the balls – Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Cook the chicken balls – Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove and set aside.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Sauté the garlic – In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the liquids – Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Melt the cheese – Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed.
- Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta to the creamy parmesan sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Add the chicken balls – Place the cooked chicken balls on top of the pasta. Let them warm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
Serving:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken mixture or sauce.
- Mushroom Twist – Sauté mushrooms in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Bacon Infused – Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for extra richness.
- Cheese Lover’s Version – Mix in shredded mozzarella or gouda for an even creamier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken balls separately for up to 2 months. The sauce can be frozen but may need to be blended after reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for a slightly different flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken balls from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and avoid overhandling the mixture. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling can help.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. You can thicken it with a little cornstarch if needed.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken balls and sauce separately and combine them when ready to serve.
How do I make the sauce extra thick?
Add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Can I bake the chicken balls instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Use full-fat cream and stir continuously while cooking to maintain a smooth texture.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an irresistible dish packed with rich, savory flavors. The juicy chicken balls, buttery garlic sauce, and creamy pasta create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavor-packed, comforting meal featuring juicy garlic-infused chicken meatballs, seared in butter and served with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce over pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels gourmet but is easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 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 (for cooking)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Balls:
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken balls for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Cook the Pasta & Combine:
- While making the sauce, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated.
4. Assemble & Serve:
- Add the garlic butter chicken balls on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, extra Parmesan, and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brown the chicken balls in olive oil before finishing in butter.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying & Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
