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
