Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent chicken balls drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce create a mouthwatering symphony that will tantalize taste buds.

These delectable garlic butter chicken balls promise an explosion of rich, savory flavors.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of juicy meat and aromatic seasonings.

The creamy parmesan pasta provides a velvety backdrop that complements the robust chicken balls.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious.

Prepare to savor a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes These Chicken Pasta Bowls Irresistible

Whip Up Delightful Comfort: A Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Ball Pasta

  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like cheesy pasta and crispy chicken balls, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Streamline your cooking process by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
  • Protein-Packed Pleasure: Ground chicken provides a lean, nutritious protein source that keeps meals satisfying and health-conscious without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Chicken Balls and Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean and flavorful protein that forms the base of the chicken balls.
Binders and Seasonings:
  • Breadcrumbs, Egg: Helps hold the chicken balls together with a perfect texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Packed with delicious herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Chicken Ball Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich, golden color and delicious taste to the chicken balls.
Pasta Sauce Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Garlic: Creates a luxurious and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and tangy finish to the creamy sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright and fresh touch to the final dish.

Steps for Chicken Balls in Creamy Pasta

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Balls

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine these delicious ingredients:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.

Shape the mixture into perfectly round 1-inch balls, ensuring each one looks equally delightful.

Step 2: Brown and Cook Chicken Balls

Fire up a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Gently place the chicken balls into the sizzling pan.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating them occasionally to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Once done, transfer the chicken balls to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Base

Cook pasta following package instructions.

Drain and set aside, ready for the magical sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth perfection.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken Balls

Introduce the cooked pasta and chicken balls to the creamy sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand and chicken ball gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking Tips for Chicken Pasta Success

  • Mix chicken mixture gently but completely to ensure even distribution of seasonings without overworking the meat, which could make chicken balls tough.
  • Use medium heat when sautéing chicken balls to achieve golden-brown exterior while keeping interior juicy and preventing burning or undercooking.
  • Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe consumption and prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir consistently to create smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or breaking down.
  • Substitute ground chicken with turkey, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version, or replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free alternative.

Store and Reheat Chicken Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken balls and pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Place chicken balls and pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Gently stir and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Best Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Savor Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of garlic butter chicken balls.
  • Herb-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix a basil-infused gin martini that echoes the Italian seasoning and parsley garnish, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust flavors.
  • Zesty Side Salad Enhancer: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta's heaviness and provide a tangy, fresh contrast to the rich chicken balls.
  • Craft Beer Match: Choose a Belgian-style wheat beer or a crisp pilsner that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta.

Pasta Bowl Flavor Ideas to Try

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy sauce and protein-rich chicken balls.
  • Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative that still delivers rich, savory flavors and maintains the recipe's core characteristics.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free sauce that remains creamy and delicious.

FAQs

  • What makes garlic butter chicken balls different from regular meatballs?

These chicken balls are lighter, more delicate, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors like Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Unlike traditional meatballs, they use ground chicken for a leaner protein option.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley for garnishing?

Absolutely! While fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh taste, dried parsley works just fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if you don’t have fresh herbs available.

  • How do I ensure my chicken balls are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Golden brown exterior and even cooking are also good indicators of doneness.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken balls and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken balls dance atop a luxurious parmesan pasta landscape, creating a comforting symphony of flavors. Rich Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each creamy, herb-infused bite of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Flavor Enhancers and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel. Knead ingredients thoroughly and craft compact, symmetrical spherical portions.
  2. Heat butter in a expansive cooking surface over moderate temperature. Carefully deposit chicken spheres and rotate periodically, ensuring uniform golden exterior and complete interior thermal development. Confirm internal temperature reaches precise food safety standards before extraction.
  3. Submerge pasta in rapidly boiling water, preparing according to manufacturer’s precise instructions. Once tender, strain completely and reserve.
  4. Utilize identical cooking surface, melt remaining butter and introduce finely chopped garlic. Allow aromatic release without scorching. Cascade heavy cream, generating gentle bubbling effect. Incorporate Parmesan gradually while whisking, creating silken textural consistency.
  5. Integrate cooked pasta and previously prepared chicken spheres into cream-based liquid. Delicately maneuver ingredients, guaranteeing comprehensive sauce coverage and equitable distribution.
  6. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant visual appeal and herbaceous flavor dimension. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

  • Ensure ground chicken is fresh and cold for better binding and texture when forming balls.
  • Use a light hand when mixing ingredients to prevent dense, tough chicken balls.
  • Measure breadcrumbs precisely to maintain the right moisture balance in the mixture.
  • Test one chicken ball first to check seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
  • Keep the skillet at medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
  • Pat pasta dry after draining to help sauce cling better and prevent watery results.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if you prefer a spicier version of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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