If you’re on the hunt for the perfect comfort meal that marries juicy, garlicky chicken meatballs with lush, creamy noodles, Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta may just become your new favorite obsession. It’s the kind of dish that delivers beautifully on taste, texture, and soul-warming satisfaction—delicate chicken balls packed with herbs and cheese, tossed with silky fettuccine in a dreamy Parmesan sauce. Every twirl and bite brings together savory simplicity and rich Italian-American flavor, making it irresistible for weeknights and special gatherings alike. Trust me, you’ll be craving the leftovers before you’ve even finished your bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta comes from humble, everyday ingredients that, when brought together, create a symphony of flavor and comfort. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to balance taste and texture, ensuring that every bite is memorable. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters:
- Ground chicken: The star of the dish, it’s tender, light, and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them juicy all the way through.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to both the chicken balls and the sauce for full-bodied richness.
- Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it’s essential for that mouthwatering, buttery aroma in both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives a tender texture.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses every element with rustic Italian flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Must-have basics for seasoning the meatballs and pasta sauce to perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken balls.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note to the pan and prevents sticking.
- Fettuccine or spaghetti: Long, sturdy noodles that are perfect for catching every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to an ultra-creamy, silky pasta sauce.
- Chicken broth: Gently enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- Chopped parsley: For a pop of color and brightness right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your fettuccine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want the noodles tender but with a little bite. Once done, drain well and set aside—this gives you a head start as you whip up the other delicious components.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Chicken Balls
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs can get dense. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, repeating until you’ve used it all; you should end up with meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Balls
Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken balls in a single layer, leaving space to turn them. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, gently turning every couple of minutes, until each ball is richly golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked balls to a plate and keep them warm while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to wash out those tasty browned bits!), melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in more grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, letting the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add your drained pasta straight into the pan with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Plate up generous portions, topping each one with an array of golden chicken balls. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan if you like—your Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is ready to wow!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and color, while a final snow of grated Parmesan adds a touch of luxury. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to grate a little extra garlic over the top or add a few twists of black pepper for good measure. Lemon zest is another fabulous way to lend a fresh aroma and taste!
Side Dishes
For a truly Italian-inspired spread, serve this dish alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables for color and crunch. A slice of crusty garlic bread makes it easy to mop up every drop of sauce, while a chilled glass of pinot grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta and juicy chicken balls.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta at a party or special dinner? Try skewering the chicken balls and resting them on a little nest of pasta twirled into individual portions. For family-style presentation, pile everything onto a big platter and let guests help themselves. You can even serve leftovers in lunch containers layered with extra sauce—just as delicious the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta keep very well in the refrigerator. Transfer everything to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if you’re looking forward to lunch the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, cool the chicken balls and pasta completely, then portion them out into freezer-safe containers. They’ll last up to two months. Consider storing the chicken balls and sauce separately from the pasta for best texture when reheating, though you can freeze everything together in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy, stirring until everything is warmed through. The microwave works too—just use shorter intervals and stir often so the sauce doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to use turkey with a little fat for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
What pasta shapes are best for this dish?
While fettuccine and spaghetti are both classic choices that soak up the creamy sauce, you can use any long pasta you love—or even penne or rigatoni if you prefer a more rustic feel. The sauce clings well to all shapes!
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use extra chicken broth. The sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich, but still delicious and satisfying.
How can I make the chicken balls extra flavorful?
Try adding a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley to the chicken mixture for a burst of herbal flavor. You can also mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny bit of lemon zest for some zip!
Can Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the chicken balls and pair with your favorite gluten-free pasta. No one will miss the gluten, and you’ll still get all the comforting, creamy deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that one dish that combines weeknight ease, comfort food flavors, and a hint of restaurant magic, you simply must try Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Share it with loved ones, or treat yourself to something truly special—you may just find it becomes your go-to pasta dinner!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender garlic butter chicken balls served with creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is a perfect combination of savory flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken balls:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken balls: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls. Cook in butter and olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the pasta sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream and broth. Stir in Parmesan and seasonings, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Assemble: Toss pasta in sauce, top with chicken balls, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear chicken balls in the skillet first, then finish in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes while preparing the pasta sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
