Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting dinner made with juicy chicken, garlic butter, Parmesan, and tender pasta, ready in 40 minutes. Cook until the chicken balls are golden and the sauce is smooth and creamy for a cozy meal with savory flavor in every bite.
Why this version is a keeper
- Juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs coated in garlic butter
- Rich and creamy Parmesan sauce that complements the pasta perfectly
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal
- Family-friendly and sure to be a crowd-pleaser
The shopping list
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Directions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small meatballs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Servings and time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 560 per serving
Ways to switch it up
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: Add shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese to the sauce for extra cheesiness.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Day-2 notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
How do I prevent my chicken meatballs from drying out?
Using breadcrumbs and egg helps retain moisture. Avoid overcooking them.
Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?
Yes, but homemade ones have better flavor and texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine are great choices, but fettuccine also works well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free version.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy sauce and mild flavors make it appealing to kids.
The wrap-up
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and indulgent meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its creamy sauce, juicy meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe worth adding to your weekly rotation.
Keep Exploring
- Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna — My favorite creamy spinach mushroom lasagna recipe! This easy, comforting vegetarian dish is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
- Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts With Marinara — Whip up these easy zucchini ricotta melts in under an hour! They're bubbly, cheesy, and so satisfying. My kids literally fight over the last.
- High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta — My High Protein Chicken Alfredo Pasta is seriously easy and ready in 30 minutes! It's creamy, deeply savory, and my family requests.
- Grilled Steak Elote Tacos — My Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a total game-changer for busy nights! Ready in 40 mins, they're smoky, zesty, and so easy. You'll want.
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob — This grilled cheesy garlic corn recipe is perfect for your next BBQ! Ready in 15 minutes with just 5 A delicious side for Memorial Day.
- Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls — My go-to Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! They're crispy, creamy, and my family's favorite sweet.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: PT40M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting dinner made with juicy chicken, garlic butter, Parmesan, and tender pasta, ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small meatballs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked meatballs separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for best results. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560