Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken balls infused with fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Paired with silky pasta tossed in a dreamy creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is pure magic from the very first bite to the last. It’s the perfect balance of savory, rich, and fresh flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential role, from the tender ground chicken to the luscious Parmesan cheese, making the dish delightfully satisfying and easy to assemble.
- 1 lb Ground Chicken: The star protein that keeps the chicken balls moist and delicate.
- 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs: Adds just enough binding and a tender bite without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings umami richness into the chicken balls and the pasta sauce.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color throughout the dish.
- 1 Egg: Binds the ingredients tightly, ensuring the chicken balls hold their shape.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken balls and butter sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for frying): Provides the perfect non-stick environment and a subtle fruity note.
- 4 tbsp Butter: A key to the rich garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken balls beautifully.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic again for the sauce to maximize flavor impact.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped): Finishing touch for color and brightness in the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional): Offers a tangy twist that brightens the garlicky richness.
- 8 oz Pasta: Any variety you like, but fettuccine or spaghetti are perfect to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Forms the base for the creamy Parmesan pasta sauce.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the silky, luxurious texture of the pasta sauce.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it that signature cheesy aroma and smoothness.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Balances the creamy pasta and enhances all flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Make the Chicken Balls
Start by combining the ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This blend ensures your chicken balls will be tender, flavorful, and well-seasoned. Once everything is mixed, form the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs. This size guarantees they cook evenly and quickly, giving you perfectly juicy bites every time.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken balls in batches—crowding the pan will steam them instead of browning—and cook, turning occasionally, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once ready, transfer them to a plate and keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce and Toss Chicken
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to burn the garlic. Return the chicken balls to the pan and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. For a nice burst of brightness, stir in lemon juice if you desire. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to elevate the flavors and add a lovely green vibrance. Keep warm on low heat as you prepare the pasta.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, drain pasta and toss it into the sauce, giving it a good stir to coat every strand or shape with that rich Parmesan goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Plate your creamy Parmesan pasta first, then pile on the garlic butter chicken balls, drizzling any extra sauce over the top. This is the moment when all the flavors come together in harmony—creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley really brightens the dish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese on top amps up that cheesy richness even more, making each bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creamy, buttery main dish. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also pairs beautifully to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken balls and pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. Alternatively, present the chicken balls skewered on small sticks nestled atop the creamy pasta for a playful finger-food vibe at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken balls and pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day meals or easy lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken balls separately in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Pasta with creamy sauce doesn’t freeze as well due to texture changes, so it’s best to prepare that fresh or refrigerate instead.
Reheating
Reheat chicken balls gently in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to keep them moist. Warm the pasta sauce on low heat, stirring frequently, and add a little cream or milk if it thickens too much. Then toss the pasta back in for that just-made taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will create equally tender and flavorful meatballs. Just be sure to monitor cooking time, as turkey can dry out faster.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives and choose gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the chicken balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken balls a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. This is great for cutting down on prep when entertaining.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or spaghetti works beautifully because their shape lets the creamy Parmesan sauce cling perfectly. However, feel free to use penne, linguine, or your favorite pasta shapes.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes will add delightful color, texture, and nutrition while complementing the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that makes dinner something to look forward to every time you make it. From the garlic-kissed chicken balls to the silky Parmesan pasta, it’s a perfect harmony of comfort and sophistication that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how deliciously simple home cooking can be!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and comforting meal featuring tender garlic butter chicken meatballs paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. These savory chicken balls are pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Served alongside pasta coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (any variety, but fettuccine or spaghetti works best)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Chicken Balls: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in size.
- Cook the Chicken Balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Add lemon juice if using and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Keep warm on low heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat all strands evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with garlic butter chicken balls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if preferred.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce adds a nice bright flavor but is optional.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken balls to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
