If you have been searching for a home-cooked meal that feels indulgent yet comforting, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, perfectly pan-fried and bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Paired with silky pasta coated in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, each bite is an explosion of flavor that feels homemade yet restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to become a beloved classic in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each component adds a definite flair—fresh garlic and Parmesan bring boldness, while butter enriches the textures and helps marry the flavors.
- 1 lb Ground Chicken: The lean protein base that forms soft, flavorful meatballs.
- 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the chicken balls and adds a tender bite.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a slightly nutty finish right inside the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped): Offers fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring perfect meatball shape.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Provides robust garlic aroma that infuses the chicken balls.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for frying): Allows for golden crust and prevents sticking.
- 4 tbsp Butter: Used in the sauce to give a luscious, creamy sheen.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): To create the garlic butter sauce that clings beautifully to chicken balls.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped): Sprinkled over the finished chicken balls for brightness.
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a fresh, tangy kick to balance the richness.
- 8 oz Pasta (any variety, preferably fettuccine or spaghetti): Provides the perfect canvas for creamy Parmesan sauce.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Forms the base of the creamy pasta sauce, enriching each strand.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature silkiness and depth.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the cream to create luscious, cheesy pasta.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Brings the sauce and pasta to life with balanced seasoning.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Ball Mixture
Start by gently combining the ground chicken with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything just until combined—overmixing can make the meatballs dense instead of tender and juicy.
Step 2: Form and Cook the Chicken Balls
Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then place the chicken balls in batches to avoid crowding. Cook them evenly, turning occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes, until each is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside on a warm plate.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet, tossing them well in the garlic butter sauce so every bite gets coated in buttery, garlicky goodness. If you want a fresh tang, squeeze a bit of lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley right before removing from heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, using tongs to coat each strand thoroughly with the rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous bed of the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with a handful of the garlic butter chicken balls. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top for a restaurant-worthy finish. The combination of textures and flavors here is simply irresistible!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance appearance and add burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil around the plate. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or an extra grating of Parmesan cheese amps up both flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully with this rich dish, offering a refreshing contrast and balance. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, serve the chicken balls on individual spoons accompanied by a small twirl of pasta. Or create a layered presentation in shallow bowls, layering pasta, chicken balls, and sauce repeated for an elegant look. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate the plate artistically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover garlic butter chicken balls and creamy Parmesan pasta in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the pasta and chicken balls if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken balls by themselves in a single layer on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Creamy pasta freezes less well, as cream-based sauces tend to separate. If freezing, store pasta separately and refresh with a splash of cream when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chicken balls gently in a skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil to retain their crisp edges. Warm the pasta sauce over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little cream or milk if it’s too thick before tossing pasta back in. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating or sauce separation.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter and creamy Parmesan sauce. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey can dry out faster.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While fettuccine and spaghetti are preferred due to their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, feel free to use penne or linguine if that’s what you have. The key is to choose pasta with good surface texture to catch every bit of that delicious sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use a plant-based cream alternative along with vegan Parmesan-style cheese to recreate that creamy texture without dairy. The flavors will be slightly different but still delightful.
Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?
Definitely! Baking is a great option for a lighter version. Place the formed chicken balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through; just remember they won’t have quite the same crispy exterior as frying.
How can I add a little heat to this dish?
If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, a dash of cayenne pepper in the chicken mixture can add warmth without overpowering the creamy Parmesan pasta.
Final Thoughts
Making the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a joyful experience that results in a meal everyone will rave about. It strikes that perfect balance of comfort food and elegance, right in your own kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, savor each bite, and maybe even make it your go-to dish for special dinners or weekday indulgence. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it balances savory garlic notes with the smooth creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream, topped with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
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)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
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 bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken Balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls in batches, cooking and turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: To the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant. Toss the cooked chicken balls back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, mixing to coat. Add lemon juice if desired for a slight tang, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Keep warm while preparing the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan 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 grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with garlic butter chicken balls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in both the chicken balls and garlic butter sauce.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground pork if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftover chicken balls and pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce is optional but adds a nice fresh brightness.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture pairs best with creamy sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
