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There is something incredibly comforting and indulgent about a meal that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a luscious, creamy pasta sauce. This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe brings together juicy chicken meatballs infused with garlic and Italian herbs, swimming in a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends with a home-cooked bounty, this dish promises to deliver rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making any dish shine. For this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe, each ingredient plays a beautiful role, from the savory notes in the chicken balls to the silky Parmesan sauce that ties it all together.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Provides lean and tender protein for light yet flavorful meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and binding to keep the chicken balls moist without falling apart.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty depth inside the meatballs and in the sauce.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the chicken mixture together perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers sharp, aromatic goodness that is central to the garlic butter flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that elevates the meatballs with classic Mediterranean warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smoky and sweet undertone with a lovely hint of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balancing spice.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking meatballs): Used to brown the chicken balls beautifully and add richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce): Creates a silky base for the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce): Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable garlic aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious, smooth, and decadent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melted in for that irresistible cheesy texture and taste.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To perfect the seasoning of the sauce.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked: Your comforting pasta base that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
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 black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until the ingredients come together uniformly. Next, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, roughly one inch in diameter—these will cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chicken meatballs carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally so they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides and cook all the way through. When cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside for the sauce step.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this releases that wonderful garlic essence. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce, which will thicken slightly as it warms. Season carefully with salt and black pepper to balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your cooked spaghetti or linguine directly to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly so every strand gets coated in that irresistible sauce. This step is crucial to bring the dish together, melding the pasta with all those creamy, garlicky notes.
Step 5: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Finally, plate the creamy Parmesan-coated pasta, then nestle the golden garlic butter chicken balls on top. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of green and an added touch of freshness. Serve your creation immediately while warm and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens this dish beautifully. The cheese lends an extra umami punch, while parsley lends a fresh herbal kick and a vibrant pop of color that makes the whole plate feel inviting and professional.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a crisp contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is another perfect partner to mop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken balls and pasta in individual shallow bowls, layering the meatballs on top like little savory jewels. Alternatively, try a family-style platter where everyone can help themselves, making the sharing experience warm and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, but the pasta may absorb some sauce overnight, so you might want to stir in a splash of cream or broth when warming.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, it’s best to freeze the chicken balls and pasta sauce separately for optimal texture. Place the chicken balls in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze the sauce in another. Both will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a little extra cream, milk, or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just as well and will keep the meatballs tender and flavorful. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can dry out faster if overcooked.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices because they hold the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor, but the dish will have a different texture and taste.
How can I make the chicken balls extra juicy?
Adding breadcrumbs soaked briefly in milk or a bit of grated onion to the mixture can boost moisture. Also, don’t overmix the meat mixture; gentle combining keeps the texture tender and juicy.
Can I prepare the chicken balls in advance?
Yes, you can form the chicken balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. This can help the flavors meld and save you time when you’re ready to make the full dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels both luxurious and comforting, perfect for any occasion. The blend of garlicky, buttery meatballs and rich, creamy Parmesan pasta is truly a match made in culinary heaven. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your dinner table—trust me, it will become a favorite that you want to make again and again.
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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: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs cooked in garlic butter, served over a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with spaghetti or linguine. This recipe combines savory seasonings and creamy textures perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 (for cooking meatballs)
Creamy Parmesan 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, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Then, form the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Chicken Balls: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides, until they are golden and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken meatballs. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adding fresh parsley on top brightens the flavor and adds color.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking internal temperature for 165°F (74°C).
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
