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This garlic butter chicken balls & creamy parmesan pasta is a quick dinner recipe that brings rich comfort with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something both satisfying and fast. In under 40 minutes, you get juicy, garlicky chicken balls nestled in a silky parmesan sauce with hearty pasta, making it an ideal one pot weeknight meal that feels restaurant worthy but comes together with everyday ingredients. This recipe delivers that creamy, savory flavor everyone craves without a pile of dishes or complicated steps.
I first tried this garlic butter chicken balls & creamy parmesan pasta for a last minute dinner party, and it was an instant hit thanks to its bold garlic aroma and amazingly plush texture. Each time I make it now, the kitchen fills with the rich scent of butter and parmesan and my family always asks for extra sauce. It is now my reliable go to when I am short on time but want a flavorful, crowd pleasing meal that fits both family dinners and guest occasions.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Ground chicken (for juicy garlic chicken balls): Select freshly ground chicken for tender results and lean protein, or swap turkey for a lighter base
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the chicken balls together and keeps them light; panko gives a fluffier texture, while standard breadcrumbs deliver classic bite
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor to both chicken balls and sauce; always freshly grate for best melting and taste
- Egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture and structure to each meatball
- Minced garlic: The foundation of bold flavor; fresh cloves give depth, roasted garlic offers sweeter notes
- Onion powder and Italian seasoning: Layers in herby warmth and complexity; fresh herbs such as parsley or basil add extra brightness if desired
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing rich flavors; use kosher salt for even seasoning
- Butter: Provides signature richness and nutty undertones; unsalted butter lets you control the salt
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken balls without burning; opt for extra virgin olive oil for best aroma
- Fettuccine or spaghetti pasta: Ideal for catching creamy sauce; gluten free or whole wheat options can be substituted as needed
- Heavy cream: Creates the classic creamy parmesan sauce; swap with half and half or evaporated milk for a lighter version
- Chopped parsley: Optional, makes a colorful and fresh garnish to finish the dish
- Substitutions: Use gluten free breadcrumbs and pasta if needed, or replace chicken with turkey or plant based crumbles for a vegetarian spin
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Sauté Aromatics and Prepare Chicken Mixture:
- Add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Use hands to gently mix until cohesive but not overworked; add more breadcrumbs if too sticky or a splash of milk if too dry. The mixture should hold together easily with a fragrant aroma of garlic and cheese.
- Shape and Form Chicken Balls:
- Scoop tablespoon portions and roll gently into one inch balls, aiming for 16 to 20 evenly sized pieces. If mixture sticks, dampen hands with water, ensuring even cooking later.
- Brown Chicken Balls for Juicy Flavor:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter foams and smells nutty, add chicken balls in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Turn every two minutes, browning for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Cook in two batches if needed and wipe pan between batches for best browning.
- Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Remove chicken balls and set aside. In same pan, melt two more tablespoons of butter over medium low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant with golden edges, scraping up browned bits for deep flavor.
- Build Parmesan Cream Base:
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, add parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy with just enough thickness to cling to pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Silky Sauce:
- While sauce simmers, boil pasta according to package in salted water. Reserve half cup pasta water before draining. Toss cooked pasta with sauce in skillet, adding reserved water as needed until evenly coated and glossy.
- Finish and Assemble for Serving:
- Arrange golden chicken balls over the creamy pasta, turning gently in sauce if you prefer integration. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and serve hot, ensuring every bite is extra creamy and comforting.
My favorite discovery with this recipe was the rich impact of even a small amount of Italian seasoning, which really brightens the overall flavor. Every time I serve it, my family is drawn in by the aroma and always asks for more sauce, proof of just how craveworthy this meal is. Watching everyone dive into seconds at the table makes this dish a weeknight staple in our house, as it always brings comfort and a balanced bite of carbs, protein, and silky cream sauce.
Smart Swaps and Variations
This garlic butter chicken balls & creamy parmesan pasta is flexible for many diets and seasons. For gluten free, swap in gluten free pasta and crumbs without losing flavor or texture. To lighten it, use half and half in place of heavy cream or trade chicken for turkey or even plant based protein to make it vegetarian. Add steamed broccoli, fresh spinach, or swap parmesan for pecorino to tweak the flavors seasonally. Roasted butternut squash or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully in colder months for added earthiness and sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To handle leftovers or prep in advance, let everything cool then transfer pasta and chicken balls to separate airtight containers for best texture. Refrigerate up to three days, or freeze chicken balls and pasta (separately) in well sealed freezer safe containers for up to two months. For serving, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently reheat chicken and pasta together on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, stirring frequently to keep it smooth. If microwaving, use fifty percent power and stir every thirty seconds to prevent curdling or uneven heating.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This creamy pasta and chicken dish stands out as a main, but shines brighter with a crisp salad or garlicky bread to balance its richness. A tangy arugula and tomato salad adds freshness while roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli bring color and additional nutrition. For guests, garnish with extra parmesan and cracked pepper in shallow pasta bowls to create a restaurant inspired presentation that makes the meal feel special.
Nutritional Benefits
The pairing of chicken and parmesan ensures each serving delivers substantial protein plus a comforting dose of healthy fats. Choosing gluten free or whole wheat pasta supports dietary needs, and you can manage sodium by selecting low sodium cheese or leaner chicken. Each portion balances macros for an easy weeknight main that keeps you full, and the addition of vegetables or lighter cream swaps can further boost vitamins and fiber as desired.
Recipe Success Tips
If the chicken balls fall apart, ensure you included both egg and sufficient breadcrumbs for a cohesive mixture. For a split or oily sauce, lower the heat and stir frequently when adding cheese, as overheating can cause separation. When reheating, always blend in a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to a silky consistency and prevent it from becoming clumpy or dry.
This garlic butter chicken balls & creamy parmesan pasta is now our weeknight craving and company show stopper. Try it for dinner this week and see which mouthwatering variation you love most!
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you keep chicken balls moist?
Combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan to lock in moisture, and avoid overcooking for juicy results.
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or any preferred pasta works well with the creamy Parmesan sauce in this dish.
- → What makes the sauce creamy?
Heavy cream and grated Parmesan are simmered to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- → Is there a good substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey or pork can be used for a different flavor, though adjust seasonings to suit the protein.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream if needed.