If you’re searching for a dish that combines cozy comfort and irresistible flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe takes all the satisfaction of juicy chicken meatballs, infuses them with garlicky butter richness, and nestles them on a bed of silky, Parmesan-laden pasta—the perfect choice for everything from weeknight family dinners to those nights when only something special will do.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta plays a role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find nothing fussy here—just smartly chosen components that work together in delicious harmony.

Ground chicken: Ground chicken is tender and mild, letting the garlic and Parmesan shine through.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs hold everything together and keep the chicken balls light and juicy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness to both the chicken balls and the pasta.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with warmth and unmistakable aroma.
Egg: Egg binds the chicken mixture, ensuring the balls hold their shape.
Chopped parsley: Parsley adds herby brightness and a burst of green color.
Salt & black pepper: These kitchen staples season and enhance all the flavors.
Olive oil: Olive oil helps sear the chicken balls to golden perfection.
Unsalted butter: Butter gives the garlic sauce its luxurious, velvety base.
Italian seasoning: Just a pinch brings depth and complexity to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick.
Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne): Choose your favorite shape—each one soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream: Cream is what gives the pasta its rich, luscious texture.
Reserved pasta water: This secret ingredient helps thin and bind the sauce just right.
Extra chopped parsley & Parmesan (for garnish): A final flourish of freshness and cheesy goodness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a big pot of salted water. Drop in your pasta—whether you go classic fettuccine or playful penne, it’ll work perfectly. Cook according to package directions until just al dente. Before draining, be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water, which will come in handy for finishing the sauce later. Set the drained pasta aside so it’s ready to toss.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Balls

While the pasta cooks, it’s time to get your hands in the mix. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined—overworking can make the chicken balls dense. Shape into 1-inch balls with gentle hands to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 3: Brown and Cook the Chicken Balls

Heat olive oil over medium in a large skillet. Add the chicken balls in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Turn gently every couple of minutes, browning all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through and deliciously golden. Move them to a plate as they finish and cover lightly to keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Using that same skillet (no need to wash!), melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Let things sizzle for about a minute—just until aromatic, not browned. Return the chicken balls to the skillet and roll them around to bathe in all that garlicky, buttery glory.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

In a separate pan, melt more butter and sauté garlic just briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so it thickens into a luxurious sauce. Tip in the cooked pasta and use tongs to toss until every strand is coated—add some reserved pasta water as needed to get the sauce just luscious enough.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Time for the grand finale! Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta between serving bowls, then top each with a generous portion of your glistening Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and even more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch matters! Shower each plate with freshly chopped parsley, a little more grated Parmesan, and even a twist of black pepper. If you want another layer of flavor, a splash of lemon juice right at the end adds a hit of freshness that perks the whole dish up.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty, so you don’t need much alongside. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccolini brings balance and color to the table. And if you have hungry company, warm garlic bread is always a welcome guest.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful: Serve each portion in a rustic bowl or build a family-style platter with chicken balls perched atop a mound of pasta. For something fun, spear each chicken ball on a toothpick and arrange around a platter of pasta, letting guests mix and match as they please. Kids especially love this interactive approach!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken balls and pasta together or separate in airtight containers so they stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can easily freeze the chicken balls (before or after cooking) on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. The pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce can be made ahead and frozen separately if needed!

Reheating

For the best results, gently reheat chicken balls and pasta together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch—just stir every minute to heat evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a direct swap in this dish, and it’s every bit as tasty in these tender, garlicky chicken balls.

What pasta shape works best for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

Fettuccine or linguine are lovely for swirling up the creamy sauce, but penne or even rigatoni catch all the sauce in their tubes for delicious bites—go with your favorite!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap in your preferred gluten-free pasta, you can easily adapt Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a gluten-free meal.

Can I make the chicken balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and form the chicken balls a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. They also freeze beautifully, making this a great meal-prep recipe.

What’s the best way to make a lighter version?

To lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a little less butter. You can also sub in whole-wheat or legume pasta for extra fiber and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that delight your taste buds and feel as comforting as a big hug, you have to try Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for an impressive dinner with friends or the coziest family night at home. Enjoy every garlicky, cheesy bite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls served over Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a delightful combination of flavors. Juicy chicken meatballs coated in a savory garlic butter sauce pair perfectly with a luscious pasta dish. A comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Balls:

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta, reserve 1/2 cup water.
Prepare Chicken Balls: Mix ingredients, form balls, cook until browned.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, seasonings, coat chicken balls.
Cook Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, cheese, toss with pasta.
Serve: Place chicken balls over pasta, garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

You can prep the chicken balls in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for easy meals.
For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon over the finished dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired