If you ever crave a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance into one, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine bite-sized, juicy chicken balls infused with garlic and Italian herbs, swimming in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce that lovingly coats every strand of perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Get ready to fall in love with how effortlessly these flavors come together for a memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients bring the most incredible magic to a dish. Each component here has a clear role in building delicious layers—tender chicken meatballs bring warmth, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds lush richness and a touch of garlic that brightens every bite.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The mild, lean base that keeps the chicken balls tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds a perfect binding texture to hold the meatballs together without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty boost right inside the meatballs and in the sauce.
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue that perfectly combines the meatball ingredients.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic elevates both the chicken balls and sauce with vibrant, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that injects classic Italian flavor into every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: This is where that luxurious garlic butter flavor comes alive, split between cooking meatballs and creating sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky foundation of the Parmesan sauce that envelops the pasta.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens and adds depth to the creamy sauce without overpowering.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked: The ideal long pasta to catch all that creamy sauce in every forkful.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls
Start by tossing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures that each chicken ball bursts with balanced flavor and that the texture stays tender after cooking. Once smooth and combined, roll the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter—just the right size for quick cooking and easy eating.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s melted and fragrant, add your chicken balls in a single layer, cooking them for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn them occasionally so each side browns evenly until golden and cooked through. This browning step adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that makes these chicken balls truly irresistible. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside—you’ll bring them back for the final presentation soon.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—about one minute—to avoid bitterness. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it all come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, silky sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken alike. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, giving this sauce that extra oomph that ties the whole dish together.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked spaghetti or linguine directly into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together so each strand is luxuriously coated, soaking up all those savory and buttery notes. This step guarantees that your pasta won’t just sit beside the sauce but becomes an integral, flavor-packed part of the dish.
Step 5: Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta onto your favorite serving dishes then nestle the golden garlic butter chicken balls over the top. The contrast of tender meatballs on the creamy pasta creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s almost too good to put down. Let’s not forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for that final tasty flourish!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your plate Instagram-worthy and super tasty, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. These simple garnishes add a vibrant pop of color and an inviting aromatic hint that invites everyone to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but adding a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli makes for a wonderfully balanced meal. The freshness and crunch from these sides contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta and tender chicken balls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve everything in a large serving bowl or platter allowing everyone to help themselves. Or try skewering the chicken balls for a fun party appetizer twist alongside small pasta nests. Either way, presentation can elevate this comforting meal to something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken balls and pasta separately in airtight containers to keep the textures fresh. The sauce-coated pasta can become a bit thick overnight but reheats beautifully with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
Freezing
The chicken balls freeze well! Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. The pasta and sauce, however, are best fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm the chicken balls in the oven or microwave until heated through. For the pasta, reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This method helps bring back the luscious, creamy texture just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great substitute and will work similarly in texture and flavor. Just maintain the same cooking times to ensure the meatballs stay juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out butter and cream for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based margarine and coconut cream. Expect a slight flavor shift, but it still remains delicious.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine are perfect choices for this creamy Parmesan pasta because their shape holds the sauce well. You could also try fettuccine or even penne for a different texture experience.
How can I make the chicken balls more crispy?
To get a crispier exterior, you can lightly coat the chicken balls with extra breadcrumbs before cooking and sauté them in a bit more butter or oil, or briefly bake them in the oven after pan-frying.
Can I prepare parts of the dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the chicken balls a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. The sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance and gently reheated.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is like treating yourself to a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe blends comfort and elegance in the easiest, most comforting way possible. Dive in, savor every bite, and watch this dish become a firm favorite in your recipe rotation!
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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
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe combines the savory taste of Italian seasoning with the richness of butter and cheese for a hearty meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the 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
For Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking meatballs)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the 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 combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Chicken Balls: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the meatballs from the 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 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is 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 until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy Parmesan pasta to serving plates. Top with the garlic butter chicken meatballs. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Ingredient substitutions: ground turkey can replace chicken, and gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used if needed.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil as garnish enhances both flavor and presentation.
