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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 tender chicken meatballs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with luscious, silky Parmesan pasta. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or impressive enough for guests, this recipe balances creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors that delight the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce and Pasta

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the chicken tender. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls for easy cooking and serving.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken balls back into the sauce, gently tossing to coat them. Fold in the drained pasta, mixing everything until well combined and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the ground chicken to keep meatballs tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Cook meatballs over medium heat to brown evenly without drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken balls, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian recipes