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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken meatballs tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with silky creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Balls

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • Salt, for pasta water

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Balls: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small, bite-sized balls, making sure they are compact but tender.
  2. Cook the Chicken Balls: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken balls and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer briefly until slightly thickened. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta of your choice in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving a splash of pasta water.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken balls to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Gently toss to coat. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste and finish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Cook chicken balls in batches to ensure even browning.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste and melt quality.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent cream separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Balls, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Meatballs, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly