Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Savory – The garlic butter coating enhances the flavor of the chicken balls, making them incredibly delicious.
- Creamy and Cheesy – The Parmesan pasta sauce is smooth, rich, and full of comforting flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.
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
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Butter Coating:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken Balls
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs – Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Coating
- Melt the Butter – In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Sauté the Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Coat the Meatballs – Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce – In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Add the Cheese – Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Assemble and Serve
- Plate the Dish – Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates or in bowls. Top with the garlic butter chicken balls.
- Garnish and Enjoy – Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
- Lighter Option – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
- Vegetable Boost – Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess. The chicken balls can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezing – Freeze the cooked chicken balls separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet before serving with fresh pasta.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will have a similar texture.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and chill the meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine are great choices, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta. You can also add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely! A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan adds extra creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Adding a little pasta water helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. The juicy chicken balls, coated in garlic butter, paired with the creamy pasta create a dish that’s full of comfort and flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines juicy, herbed chicken meatballs coated in buttery garlic sauce with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta. This flavorful meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Butter Coating:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Balls
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Coating
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Coat Meatballs: Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Assemble & Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta in bowls. Top with garlic butter chicken balls.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Pan-Fried, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
