Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic butter chicken balls recipe transforms humble ground chicken into incredibly juicy, flavor-packed meatballs that rest on a bed of creamy, Parmesan-infused pasta. The combination of tender meat, aromatic garlic, and rich sauce creates an irresistible dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Pure Comfort
There’s something magical about the way these chicken balls soak up the garlic butter sauce while the pasta underneath catches every drop of the creamy Parmesan goodness. Each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction that makes this dish a true comfort food champion.
Ingredients
What You Need
Chicken Balls:
- Ground chicken (2 pounds)
- Fresh breadcrumbs (1 cup)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Minced garlic (4 cloves)
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup)
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter (1/2 cup)
- Minced garlic (6 cloves)
- Heavy cream (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan (1 cup)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
Pasta:
- Fettuccine or penne (1 pound)
- Salt for pasta water
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Begin by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- For the sauce, in the same skillet used for meatballs, melt butter and add garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan, and simmer until thickened.
- Return meatballs to the sauce and gently coat them.
- Drain pasta and toss with the meatballs and sauce.
Make It Perfect
For perfectly juicy chicken balls, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t compress the balls too tightly when forming them. This keeps them tender rather than dense.
Mix It Up
Try adding different herbs like basil or oregano to the meatballs, or incorporate some sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Perfect Partners
Serve with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Light white wine like Pinot Grigio
Busy Day Hero
Prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. The sauce comes together quickly while the pasta boils.
Work Ahead
Make the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Save Some For Later
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Everyone’s Happy
This dish pleases both kids and adults alike. The meatballs are fun to eat, while the creamy pasta satisfies sophisticated palates.
Good For You Too
Ground chicken offers lean protein, while the Parmesan provides calcium. Add whole grain pasta for extra fiber and nutrients.
Easy Clean Up
Use one skillet for the meatballs and sauce, and one pot for pasta. Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup when forming meatballs.
Switch It Up
- Try ground turkey instead of chicken
- Use different pasta shapes
- Add spinach or peas to the sauce
- Incorporate different cheese varieties
Simply Perfect
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and impressive results, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-made meatballs?
Yes, but homemade ones taste better and allow you to control the seasonings. - Why are my meatballs tough?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t compress the balls too tightly. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. - How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Simmer gently and avoid boiling the sauce once the Parmesan is added. - Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. - Is this freezer-friendly?
Freeze the meatballs separately from the sauce and pasta for best results. - What’s the best pasta to use?
Any pasta that holds sauce well works – fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are excellent choices.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines the best of comfort food with elegant flavors. The tender meatballs and rich sauce create a memorable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.