Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Craving comfort food with a little extra flair? These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls paired with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness that will make you want to dive right in! The chicken balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean. Meanwhile, the creamy Parmesan pasta is the ultimate indulgence with a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle. This dish is the definition of comfort and will make you feel like a culinary superstar in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Versatile

This dish works for family dinners, romantic date nights, or even impressing your friends at a gathering. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly

With a few pantry staples and chicken as the star ingredient, this meal is easy on your wallet but big on flavor. You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such a show-stopping dish.

Quick and Easy

This is a one-pan wonder for the chicken and a quick stovetop pasta recipe, so you’ll have this meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the recipe! Want extra spice? Add red pepper flakes. More veggies? Throw in some spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. The options are endless.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this amazing meal:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:

• Ground Chicken: Tender and juicy when cooked, these chicken balls are the perfect base for the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings bold, savory flavor to the chicken balls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a slight nuttiness to the chicken balls.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the chicken balls together while keeping them moist.
• Egg: Holds everything together and makes the chicken balls nice and fluffy.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and Italian seasoning for that herby, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for a well-seasoned bite.

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• Pasta: Your choice of pasta, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, to hold all that creamy sauce.
• Butter: Rich and velvety, it creates the base of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to making the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the most authentic cheesy flavor.
• Garlic: Of course, garlic is a must in the sauce for that rich, savory depth.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and balance the sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Make the Chicken Balls

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in size) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. While the chicken balls bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.

Combine and Serve

1. Once the chicken balls are done, toss them in the garlic butter sauce from the baking sheet or drizzle with extra garlic butter.
2. Serve the chicken balls alongside the creamy Parmesan pasta, and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600
Fat per serving: 30g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 35g
Sugar per serving: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but here are some ideas for a well-rounded meal:

Fresh Salad

Serve with a crisp side salad, like a simple Caesar or mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette, for a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to add some color and nutrition to the meal.

Garlic Bread

For that extra indulgence, serve with some warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce!

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for a lighter cream or even milk. You can also use ground turkey instead of chicken for the balls.

Prep Ahead

The chicken balls can be prepped and shaped in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or season the chicken balls with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Add Veggies

For more veggies, you can toss in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition.

Leftovers

Store leftover chicken balls and pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the chicken balls ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prep the chicken balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like—fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work well in this dish.

Q3: Can I make the pasta sauce without cream?
A3: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

Q4: How do I keep the chicken balls from drying out?
A4: Make sure not to overcook the chicken balls—check for doneness at the 15-minute mark. The garlic butter will help keep them moist as well.

Q5: Can I freeze the chicken balls?
A5: Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: You can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or mix cayenne pepper into the chicken ball mixture for an added kick.

Q7: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
A7: For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan, but pre-grated works in a pinch!

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, just make sure you have a large enough pan for both the chicken balls and the pasta. You may need to bake the chicken in batches if you’re doubling.

Q10: What vegetables can I add to the pasta?
A10: You can toss in spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones, it’s bound to be a hit. So go ahead—treat yourself to this decadent, comforting, and utterly delicious dish! Enjoy!

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