Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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If you love comforting pasta dishes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is sure to become a favorite. Tender, juicy chicken balls cooked in garlic butter are served over a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or even meal prep for the week.

The combination of golden-browned chicken balls, aromatic garlic, and a luscious creamy sauce creates an irresistible meal that will satisfy your cravings. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with Flavor: Every bite is infused with garlic butter goodness and rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Perfect Comfort Food: A creamy pasta dish with homemade chicken balls makes for a satisfying and hearty meal.
  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
  • Customizable: You can use different pasta types or swap out the chicken for turkey or beef if desired.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 560 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken Balls:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine (or your preferred pasta)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-18 chicken balls.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken balls in a single layer, making sure they don’t overcrowd the pan.
  3. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken balls from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
  4. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

  1. While preparing the sauce, cook spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  3. Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them to coat.
  4. Let everything simmer together for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy this irresistible garlic butter chicken pasta with your favorite side dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes add a nutritious touch.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • For extra crispy chicken balls, lightly coat them in flour or cornstarch before frying.
  • Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild heat.
  • Prefer a lighter version? Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie sauce.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken balls a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: The chicken balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home. The juicy, flavorful chicken balls pair perfectly with the rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner, date night, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Try it today and experience the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its best!

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