Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A Dreamy, Cheesy Dinner That Comes Together in One Pan
Introduction
Need a cozy meal that brings together rich flavors, creamy textures, and ultimate comfort in one bite? This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is calling your name.
It’s hearty, indulgent, and comes together in under an hour with one skillet, one pot of pasta, and a whole lot of garlic-butter love. Think tender chicken meatballs seared to golden perfection, nestled in silky Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with spaghetti or linguine. Yeah—that good.
Whether it’s a family dinner, date night in, or a self-care meal, this dish never disappoints.
Why I Love This Recipe
This meal feels like something you’d order at your favorite Italian spot—only it’s way easier to make at home. The garlic butter chicken balls are flavorful enough to stand on their own, but when paired with creamy pasta, it’s magic.
It’s a comfort food mashup that hits every note: savory, creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and soul-satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (more to garnish)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🔁 Substitutions & Notes
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey or pork can work in place of chicken.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms for more depth.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Chicken Balls
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings until just combined. Form into small golf-ball-sized meatballs (you’ll get 15–20).
2. Cook the Chicken Balls
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken balls and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp more butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan and let simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until well coated. Return chicken balls to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Let everything mingle for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley, and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your meatball mixture—it keeps the chicken tender.
- Use the same pan to build flavor and save on cleanup.
- Simmer the sauce gently so it thickens without curdling.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This creamy, garlicky pasta deserves a good supporting cast:
- Sip it with a glass of white wine or this Blueberry Lemonade
- Serve alongside crusty bread or a Caesar salad
- Pair with Beer Cheese Dip as an appetizer
- Add a side like Easy Turkey Wings for a hearty comfort dinner spread
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze meatballs (uncooked or cooked) separately for quick future meals.
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
If creamy, cheesy, comforting dishes are your jam, try these next:
- Dorito Casserole – bold, beefy, and loaded with flavor
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – fast and family-approved
- Beer Cheese Dip – creamy dip dreams come true
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is everything a comforting meal should be—rich, tender, and full of garlic-cheese bliss. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to please a crowd or just yourself on a cozy night in.
If you give this recipe a try, share your twist or tag your plate—because great food is always better when shared.
Follow ChefManiac for more creamy, cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes just like this.
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