Try This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

My ultimate comfort garlic butter chicken balls have become a weekend favorite that never disappoints hungry families.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and delicious that everyone will love.

Juicy chicken mixed with savory herbs creates an irresistible blend of flavors.

Melted butter and Parmesan cheese turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Crispy outside and tender inside, these chicken balls pair perfectly with creamy pasta.

Fragrant garlic infuses each bite with rich, bold taste.

She craves this dish when comfort food calls.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Also, check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

• How can I make the chicken balls more flavorful?

Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporate grated onion into the mixture. Red pepper flakes can also provide a nice spicy kick to the chicken balls.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta Are Loved

• Savor Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold garlic and Parmesan tastes that dance together, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Culinary Skills: Perfect for home cooks wanting to level up their kitchen game, this recipe offers a delightful balance of techniques like forming chicken balls, creating a rich sauce, and preparing creamy pasta.
• Quick Family Feast: Designed to satisfy hungry families with minimal fuss, this dish combines protein-packed chicken balls and comforting pasta into one incredible meal that kids and adults will love equally.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for different occasions from casual weeknight dinners to slightly more elegant weekend meals, this recipe provides a reliable go-to option that never disappoints hungry diners.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that forms the core of the chicken balls.
• Egg: Helps bind the chicken mixture together.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide texture and enhance flavor of the chicken balls.

• Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Add aromatic and savory notes to the chicken mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the chicken balls.

• Butter, Garlic: Create a rich and flavorful sauce base.
• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Add depth and brightness to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Develop a creamy and luxurious pasta sauce.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.

• Fresh Basil, Parsley, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Provide optional finishing touches.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Whip Up Chicken Ball Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together gently until just combined, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.

Step 2: Shape Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized spheres, roughly the size of a golf ball. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chicken Balls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium warmth. Carefully place chicken balls into the pan, rotating occasionally to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Cook until completely done, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Luscious Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced garlic.

Let it dance and sizzle until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing those incredible aromatics.

Step 5: Boost Sauce Flavor

Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken Balls with Sauce

Return chicken balls to the skillet, gently coating each morsel in the tantalizing garlic butter sauce. Keep warm on low heat.

Step 7: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain, but save a splash of pasta water for later magic.

Step 8: Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter and introduce heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a silky masterpiece.

Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 9: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Lovingly toss pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.

Step 10: Assemble Delightful Dish

Plate the creamy pasta and crown it with the garlic butter chicken balls. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for a final flourish.

Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta

• Add a splash of milk or water to ground chicken to keep the balls incredibly juicy and prevent them from becoming dry or tough during cooking.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing to enhance their flavor and provide extra crunch to the chicken balls.
• Adjust garlic levels by roasting whole garlic cloves first for a mellower flavor or using fresh minced garlic for a sharper taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken balls reach 165°F internally for perfect food safety without overcooking.
• Whisk cold butter into the sauce at the end to create a silky, glossy finish that prevents separation and adds richness.

Different Takes on Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Kick Chicken Balls: Replace parsley with chopped jalapeños and add red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a fiery version.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano and mint to the chicken balls for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, and use cream cheese instead of heavy cream to create a keto-friendly alternative.

Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta

Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the garlic butter chicken’s richness and cuts through the creamy pasta’s heaviness.

Chardonnay with light oak notes enhances the buttery garlic sauce and provides a smooth, balanced drinking experience alongside the dish.

Sparkling water with fresh lemon wedge cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the dish’s bright lemon and garlic flavors.

Light Italian pilsner beer offers a crisp, clean taste that balances the dish’s richness and provides a complementary refreshment.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover chicken balls and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled chicken balls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate pasta in another container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water on chicken balls and pasta before microwaving. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken balls dance deliciously with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible culinary creation. Rich Mediterranean flavors and comforting textures come together, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (16 ounces) ground chicken

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cream Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into compact, uniform bite-sized spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F). Carefully place chicken balls into the pan, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce sliced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate chicken broth and lemon juice, creating a harmonious sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Gently reintroduce chicken balls into the skillet, coating thoroughly with the fragrant sauce. Maintain low heat to keep warm.
7. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
8. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer while stirring consistently.
9. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Thoroughly coat pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring even distribution.
11. Arrange pasta on serving plates, crown with garlic butter chicken balls, and garnish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken balls are evenly sized for consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Handle ground chicken gently while mixing to keep the meat tender and avoid tough meatballs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like turkey or plant-based ground meat for dietary variations.
• Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter sauce options.
• Toast breadcrumbs beforehand to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch to chicken balls.
• Quickly sear chicken balls at high heat to lock in moisture and create a golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 642 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg