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
Scale
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.
