If you’re on the lookout for a recipe that delivers on both flavor and comfort, look no further! This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish that’s going to have your family coming back for seconds. Think juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken balls, crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside, all swimming in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that coats each bite of pasta. It’s the kind of meal that makes a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion and will surely impress anyone at the table.
I love a good pasta dish, and let’s be honest, the addition of garlic butter chicken balls takes this one to the next level. It’s a true winner for dinner – hearty, satisfying, and just the right balance of creamy and cheesy. Plus, it’s one of those meals that’s surprisingly easy to pull together even on a busy day. Whether you’re feeding the family or planning a date night, this dish is sure to be a hit. Trust me, this is comfort food done right!
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
There’s something about the combination of garlic butter and chicken that makes every bite feel cozy and indulgent. The chicken balls are seasoned to perfection, thanks to a mix of Italian seasoning, paprika, and a touch of Parmesan, all enveloped in that glorious garlic butter. When you add in the creamy Parmesan pasta, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This is the type of dish I reach for when I need something that’s going to satisfy a crowd but won’t take hours to make. The creamy sauce is rich but not overly heavy, and the pasta ties everything together beautifully. If you’re looking for a recipe that will have everyone asking for the secret ingredient, it’s all in the balance of garlic butter and Parmesan goodness.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff—how to make this amazing meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you’ll need for this tasty dish. Here’s what you’re going to gather up:
For the Chicken Balls:
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1 lb ground chicken
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons butter (for cooking the chicken balls)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls
Start by getting your chicken ball mixture together. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You want to mix everything together well, so the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into 1-inch balls. I recommend making them all roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken balls should be compact enough to hold together while cooking, but not so tight that they’re dense.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add your chicken balls to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. You want them to have space to brown evenly. Cook the chicken balls for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
You’ll want to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure they’re fully cooked—165°F (74°C) is your target. Once they’re cooked through and crispy, remove the chicken balls from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken balls are cooking, go ahead and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Whether you go with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, any of these options will work perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside for later.
Pro Tip: Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This can help adjust the sauce later if you want to make it a bit more saucy!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken balls, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, though, because that could make it taste bitter.
Once the garlic is nicely softened, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it occasionally, and then add in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the cream and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
This is where the magic happens—the creamy Parmesan sauce that will coat your pasta and chicken balls in a rich, cheesy embrace.
Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together
Now that you’ve made the chicken balls and the creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s time to bring everything together into one delicious, comforting dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t take much more to make it perfect. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to put together.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken Balls, and Sauce
Once the Parmesan sauce is smooth and creamy, it’s time to add the cooked pasta and chicken balls into the skillet. Carefully toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken balls are coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.
The chicken balls should be evenly distributed throughout the pasta, making every bite a perfect combination of flavors. If you find that the sauce is a little too thick, you can always add some of the reserved pasta water that you set aside earlier. Just add a little at a time until you get the perfect creamy consistency.
At this point, the dish is looking gorgeous, and you can already tell it’s going to taste amazing. But before we serve, let’s add a final touch of freshness!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is beautifully combined, it’s time to plate it up. Transfer the pasta and chicken balls to serving dishes, and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also gives the dish a fresh, herby bite that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.
Now, sit back and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve just created! Serve it hot, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort that will make everyone at the table feel special.
A Few Helpful Tips for Success
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Make the Chicken Balls Even: Ensuring that the chicken balls are all uniform in size will help them cook more evenly. This also means they’ll have the same crispy texture on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
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Reserve Pasta Water: As mentioned, don’t forget to save a bit of pasta water before you drain it. The starchy water will help loosen up the sauce if it becomes too thick and will also help it adhere better to the pasta.
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Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic is key in this dish, both in the chicken balls and the sauce. Don’t be tempted to skimp on it—it really enhances the flavor profile and gives the dish that irresistible aroma that will have everyone running to the table.
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Try Different Pasta: While spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape. Rigatoni or bowtie pasta could work really well, too!
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Customize the Protein: If you want a lighter version of this recipe, ground turkey or even chicken breast could be swapped for the ground chicken. This would cut down on some of the fat while still delivering on flavor.
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Make It Extra Cheesy: If you’re a big fan of cheese, go ahead and add a little extra Parmesan in the sauce. You could even sprinkle some on top for an extra cheesy finish when serving.
With these simple tips, you’re on your way to making a dish that not only looks and tastes incredible but also feels like a meal you’ve been cooking for hours—when in reality, it takes much less time than you’d think.
Frequently Asked Questions
As we wrap up this recipe, I know you may have a few questions. Here are some answers to common queries that will help ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta turns out just right!
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken balls and sauce ahead of time, store them separately, and reheat them when ready to serve. If you’re prepping in advance, store the chicken balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. For the sauce, you can store it in the fridge as well, but be sure to reheat it gently and stir in a little extra cream or pasta water to restore the smooth texture.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap out the pasta for whatever you have on hand or your favorite variety. While spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine are great options, pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or rigatoni will work just as well. The key is to make sure the pasta you choose can hold onto that creamy Parmesan sauce!
3. What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that using milk will result in a slightly less rich sauce, but it will still be delicious. You could also try using a non-dairy cream option, like coconut cream, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
4. Can I make the chicken balls in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken balls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. When you’re ready to cook them, just follow the cooking instructions. You could also freeze the uncooked chicken balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe can be easily customized with vegetables. Some great options are spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. If you want to add veggies, sauté them in the same skillet you used for the chicken balls before making the sauce. This will add extra flavor to the dish.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan is the star of this dish, but you can add other cheeses if you’d like to experiment with flavors. Pecorino Romano would work well for a sharper taste, or mozzarella can give the sauce a more melty texture. Just remember that Parmesan is the key for that classic flavor, so any substitutions will change the final taste.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat the dish, I recommend using a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or a bit of pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the chicken balls and pasta from sticking, and in just a few minutes, your leftovers will taste just as good as when they were first served.
Conclusion: A Meal to Remember
There you have it—your guide to making the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is all about comfort, flavor, and the kind of home-cooked meal that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
I hope you give it a try and experience the magic of crispy, juicy chicken balls paired with a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below and let me know if you made any fun tweaks to the recipe. Did you try a different kind of pasta? Add in extra garlic? Whatever variations you go for, it’s all about making the dish your own. Enjoy!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Description
This indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines tender, flavorful chicken balls with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner or a special evening. The garlic butter chicken balls are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, paired perfectly with the silky, cheesy pasta that is guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
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
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking the chicken balls)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, making sure they are uniform in size.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken balls to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken balls should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3️⃣ Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4️⃣ In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Add the cooked pasta and chicken balls to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken balls in the sauce. Ensure the chicken balls are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
6️⃣ Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, to pair with this dish. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken breast instead of ground chicken. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
