Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with your next dinner favorite, meet Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Imagine tender, golden chicken meatballs drenched in garlicky, buttery goodness, nestled on a bed of silky, cheese-laden pasta. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser—easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests. Whether you want comfort food or a dish to impress, Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has the perfect blend of rich flavor, pillowy texture, and pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is simple, yet each item brings something truly necessary to the table. Every element, from pillowy ground chicken to fragrant garlic, is there to enhance flavor, create luscious texture, or add visual appeal—making this dinner as delicious as it is gorgeous.

• Ground chicken: Provides the juicy, tender base for our chicken balls, and soaks up all those buttery, garlicky flavors.
• Breadcrumbs: Binds everything together and helps the chicken balls stay soft, not tough.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds salty, umami richness both inside the chicken balls and in the sauce.
• Egg: Acts as the glue, holding the chicken balls together and contributing moisture.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Brings all that dreamy, pungent aroma and is the star flavor in both the chicken balls and sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth that makes the chicken balls truly pop with flavor.
• Paprika: Gives a touch of warmth and a subtle red hue to the dish.
• Salt: Essential for making every other flavor shine.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right bit of peppery heat to balance the richness.
• Butter: What’s garlic butter chicken without rich, creamy butter? Needed in both the chicken balls and the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety base for the parmesan sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce light enough to coat the pasta just right.
• Spaghetti or linguine: Twirls perfectly around every bite and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Extra Parmesan & parsley (optional): For garnishing and adding a fresh finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Chicken Balls

Start by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently blend the mixture without overworking it—this keeps your chicken balls light and tender. Scoop out about a tablespoon at a time and roll into small balls, laying them out on a plate so they’re ready for the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls

In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s gently foaming, add the chicken balls in a single layer. Let them get nice and golden on one side before turning with tongs, browning all over. About 6 to 8 minutes later, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the chicken balls will be cooked through and ready to set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet (no washing needed—the flavorful brown bits make the sauce even better), add another two tablespoons of butter. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and keep the sauce simmering for 3 to 4 minutes. It should thicken up and turn creamy. Taste, then season with extra salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken Balls

Add your cooked spaghetti or linguine right into the skillet with the sauce, gently tossing until every noodle is coated in that dreamy creaminess. Return the chicken balls to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta, and spoon a little extra sauce over the top. You’re almost at the finish line—time to make it beautiful and dig in!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

This dish loves a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan over the top—don’t be shy! A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only pops with color but also brings a fresh aroma. For a subtle heat, try scattering a pinch of red pepper flakes, or for mellow elegance, zest a bit of lemon to finish.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is rich and decadent, so simple sides are best. Think a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or a bowl of steamed green beans. Crusty bread on the side will help you swoop up every last bit of sauce and complements the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to make dinner extra memorable, try serving the chicken balls atop the pasta in a large family-style bowl. Or, portion the pasta onto individual plates using tongs, arranging three or four chicken balls on each mound for that restaurant-worthy look. For a fun twist, serve the chicken balls as party appetizers with a little cup of creamy Parmesan sauce for dipping, then surprise everyone with a main course of pasta featuring the same delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the pasta stays creamy as long as it’s well-sealed.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken balls on their own in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months—just make sure they’re cooled before freezing. For the sauce and pasta, freezing isn’t ideal since dairy sauces can separate, but the chicken balls will be just as tender and tasty once reheated for a future meal.

Reheating

To revive your leftovers, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute the heat evenly. The chicken balls stay moist, and the pasta will be just as irresistible as the first night.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken balls and substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free and just as flavorful.

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti or linguine are fantastic choices because their shape helps grab onto the creamy sauce, but you can use any pasta you love—penne, fettuccine, or even rotini all work deliciously well in Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a wonderful substitute for chicken, offering a similarly tender texture and soaking up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. Follow the recipe exactly as written and enjoy!

Is it possible to prep the chicken balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the chicken balls a day in advance, then store them uncooked in the fridge. When you’re ready, just cook them as directed and the meal will come together in no time at all.

What’s the best way to halve the recipe?

Simply reduce all ingredients by half—the method remains exactly the same. This is a flexible dish, so you can adjust to suit smaller households or double it for a crowd.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, foolproof, and wildly delicious meal, you simply have to try Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this dish never fails to deliver big smiles and happy bellies. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite—and don’t forget to save room for seconds!

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