Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Tender, juicy chicken meatballs, infused with garlic butter and seasoned to perfection, nestle in a bed of creamy, decadent Parmesan pasta. This dish is comfort food elevated, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special weekend treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, yet delivering a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home. The aroma alone, as the garlic and butter mingle with the savory chicken and creamy Parmesan, is enough to make your mouth water. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely fall in love with this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and ease. The chicken balls are incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to the garlic butter and Italian seasoning. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich and decadent, coating every strand of pasta with cheesy goodness. What’s even better is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in under an hour. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Even picky eaters will devour these savory chicken balls and creamy pasta. It’s a recipe that’s both satisfying and impressive, making you look like a culinary superstar without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also extremely versatile! You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding vegetables, different cheeses, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Preparation:
step 1: Make the Chicken Balls:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Gently mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 3: Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. Set the formed meatballs aside on a clean plate or baking sheet.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Balls:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the meatballs.
Step 5: Carefully place the chicken meatballs into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 6: Cook the chicken balls for approximately 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Remove the cooked chicken balls from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 8: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken balls, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The residual flavor from the chicken balls will enhance the sauce.
Step 9: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
Step 10: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
Step 11: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 12: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is melted and incorporated.
Step 13: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Step 14: Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked spaghetti or linguine to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 15: Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Step 16: Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet.
Step 17: Spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken balls, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 18: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
**COOKING Rating:**
4.8/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing makes a refreshing accompaniment to the rich pasta dish.
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
- For a complete Italian feast, pair with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken balls on all sides before cooking through. This adds a delicious caramelized crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- If you like your sauce thicker, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce quickly.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
- You can use ground turkey or ground beef instead of ground chicken, if desired.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken balls with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- To make the dish ahead of time, prepare the chicken balls and sauce separately. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the chicken balls and sauce, and combine everything together.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-45g
- Sodium: 800-900mg
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a truly irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory chicken meatballs, rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dish that will become a new family favorite!
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of pasta with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine is recommended for this recipe due to its ability to hold the creamy sauce well, you can definitely use other types of pasta based on your preference. Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or even shells would work beautifully. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Shorter pasta shapes might be easier for younger children to eat.
Q2: How can I make the chicken balls healthier?
A: There are several ways to make the chicken balls healthier without sacrificing flavor. First, you can substitute ground turkey or even lean ground beef for the ground chicken. Secondly, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to add more fiber. Additionally, you can bake the chicken balls in the oven instead of frying them in butter to reduce the fat content. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the formed chicken balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. You can sauté diced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the garlic when making the creamy Parmesan sauce. Spinach or kale can also be added directly to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to wilt them down. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, can be served as a side dish or tossed directly into the pasta.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you enjoy a little heat, there are several ways to add a kick to this dish. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy Parmesan sauce while it’s simmering. Alternatively, you can use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground chicken in the chicken balls. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also be added to the chicken ball mixture.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish for later, but it’s best to freeze the components separately to maintain the best quality. Cook the chicken balls and allow them to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce and let it cool completely. Store it in a separate freezer-safe container. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken balls and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken balls and sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave, then combine with the freshly cooked pasta. Freezing the pasta with the sauce can change its texture and make it mushy, so it’s best to cook it fresh.
