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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into compact, uniform bite-sized spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- 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.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce sliced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate chicken broth and lemon juice, creating a harmonious sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Gently reintroduce chicken balls into the skillet, coating thoroughly with the fragrant sauce. Maintain low heat to keep warm.
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer while stirring consistently.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Thoroughly coat pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- 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