Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Comforting and Flavorful Delight

Introduction

Looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor? These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are exactly what you need! Juicy, tender chicken balls infused with garlic butter are served over a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions to useful tips, serving suggestions, and variations to customize this dish to your liking.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and flavorful – The garlic butter chicken balls are juicy, while the creamy Parmesan pasta is incredibly indulgent.
  • Quick and easy to make – This dish comes together in just 30-40 minutes.
  • Perfect for all occasions – A great option for weeknight dinners, date nights, and family gatherings.
  • Customizable – Easily adjust the flavors, add vegetables, or switch up the pasta type to suit your preference.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work best)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Balls

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Mix well until fully combined, then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the chicken balls and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Pour melted butter over the cooked chicken balls and toss to coat them evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.

4. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Place the garlic butter chicken balls on top of the pasta.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.
  • Don’t overmix the chicken – Overmixing will make the meatballs dense instead of juicy.
  • Brown the chicken balls properly – This enhances their flavor and gives them a nice texture.
  • Reserve pasta water – This is key to achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
  • Adjust the spice level – If you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper flakes.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and may alter the sauce texture.

Variations and Customizations

1. Make it Spicier

  • Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

2. Add Vegetables

  • Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

3. Try a Different Pasta

  • Swap fettuccine for penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

4. Use Another Protein

  • Replace ground chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp for a different twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
  • You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing:

  • Freeze cooked chicken balls separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving with fresh pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You can mix whole milk with a little cornstarch to thicken it.

3. What can I serve with this dish?

This pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta.


Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will surely become a favorite. The juicy, buttery chicken balls paired with creamy Parmesan pasta make for a meal that’s hard to resist.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🍽️

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Comforting and Flavorful Delight


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

Juicy garlic butter chicken balls served over creamy Parmesan pasta. A rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work best)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Balls

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Mix well until fully combined, then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the chicken balls and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Pour melted butter over the cooked chicken balls and toss to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.

4. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Place the garlic butter chicken balls on top of the pasta.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.
  • Don’t overmix the chicken – Overmixing will make the meatballs dense instead of juicy.
  • Brown the chicken balls properly – This enhances their flavor and gives them a nice texture.
  • Reserve pasta water – This is key to achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
  • Adjust the spice level – If you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper flakes.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and may alter the sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 25minutes

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