A delightful combination of tender, garlicky chicken meatballs served over a rich and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, combining the best of Italian-inspired flavors with an indulgent, cheesy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Flavorful Chicken Meatballs – Juicy and seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.
- Rich & Creamy Parmesan Sauce – Buttery, garlicky, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a hassle-free dinner.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect Comfort Food – Creamy pasta paired with golden chicken meatballs is the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the 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
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Directions
Prepare the Chicken Balls:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper 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 they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 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 each serving with the cooked chicken meatballs.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 560 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Lighter Version – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use lean turkey instead of chicken.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in shredded mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Herb-Infused – Add fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken meatballs separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute for a slightly leaner option.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pairs beautifully.
How do I make sure my chicken meatballs stay juicy?
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and don’t overcook them—cook just until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. Use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Whisk in the Parmesan cheese gradually and avoid high heat when cooking the sauce.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Spaghetti and linguine work well, but fettuccine or penne are great options too.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How can I make the sauce even thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, tender meatballs, and a luscious sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a truly indulgent, homemade pasta experience!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combine juicy, garlic-infused chicken meatballs with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This Italian-inspired comfort food is an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
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
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the 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
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).
2. 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.
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 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.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. 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
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
