Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Try Our Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

These succulent garlic butter chicken balls promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crispy exteriors give way to tender, juicy interiors packed with aromatic herbs and rich flavors.

Paired with a luxurious creamy parmesan pasta, this dish elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fragrant garlic and smooth butter create a harmonious blend that coats each perfectly seasoned chicken morsel.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Comfort meets elegance in this crowd-pleasing meal that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Jump in and treat yourself to a delectable experience that’ll become an instant family favorite.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to Impress

  • Craft Flavor-Packed Bites: These chicken balls burst with Italian-inspired seasonings, delivering a delightful combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs in every single bite.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Create an entire meal using just a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation incredibly straightforward and stress-free.
  • Personalize Your Plate: Easily adapt this recipe by swapping ground chicken with turkey, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Comfort Food Reinvented: Transform classic meatballs and pasta into a creamy, indulgent dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen, guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken Balls:
  • Ground Chicken: A lean protein base that provides the main structure and flavor for the meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the chicken mixture and adds a light, crispy texture to the balls.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a golden-brown exterior when cooking.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the chicken balls together.
For the Seasonings:
  • Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the chicken balls.
For the Sauce:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the creamy sauce and helps develop a golden color when cooking.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall savory profile of the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
For the Pasta and Garnish:
  • Pasta: Serves as the base for the creamy sauce and complements the chicken balls.
  • Chopped Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.

How to Prepare This Crowd-Pleaser Easily

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Chicken Balls

Mix these ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands. Make sure they are compact and uniform in size.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken Balls

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken balls into the hot pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning. The balls should turn a beautiful golden color and be completely cooked through.

Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Saute for one minute until the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic. Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious coating.

Season with salt and black pepper to perfect the flavor.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing until each strand is beautifully coated.

Gently return the chicken balls to the skillet, spooning extra sauce over them. Serve immediately while hot, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of elegance.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Balls and Pasta

  • Mix chicken mixture gently to avoid dense meatballs, ensuring light and tender texture.
  • Use medium heat when sautéing chicken balls to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.
  • Simmer sauce slowly, stirring frequently to prevent separation and create smooth, creamy texture.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano before serving to enhance overall flavor profile.

Flavor Variations to Make It Your Own

  • Spicy Sriracha Chicken Balls: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick, creating a zesty and bold flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Balls: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, mint, and dill, then mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the meal.
  • Pesto Cream Sauce: Replace the classic Parmesan sauce with homemade or store-bought basil pesto mixed with cream for a vibrant, herbaceous alternative.

Pairings That Work Beautifully With This Dish

  • Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the creamy Parmesan sauce and enhance the garlic-infused chicken balls.
  • Refreshing Side Drink: Pour a sparkling Italian mineral water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate and balance the rich, creamy flavors of the dish.
  • Herbal Flavor Booster: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the pasta to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness and provides a vibrant taste contrast.
  • Texture-Enhancing Garnish: Top the dish with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs to introduce a delightful crunch that elevates the overall dining experience and adds interesting textural complexity.

Best Storage Methods to Keep It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken balls and sauce to maintain texture.

Pack chicken balls and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Place chicken balls and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Warm chicken balls and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and works perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

  • How do I prevent the chicken balls from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly, chill the mixture for 15 minutes before forming balls, and avoid overhandling the meat while shaping.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not naturally. To make it gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and might require extra thickening with a cornstarch slurry.

Print
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken balls nestled in creamy parmesan pasta create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Comfort meets culinary elegance in this irresistible dish that will delight your senses and satisfy your hunger with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
  • 1 egg

Chicken Ball Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce and Pasta Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

  1. Craft delicate chicken spheres by blending ground chicken with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, aromatic garlic, herbaceous Italian seasoning, vibrant paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently shape into uniform bite-sized orbs.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat (375°F). Carefully sear chicken balls for 6-7 minutes, rotating periodically until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked morsels to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, introduce fresh butter and sauté minced garlic until releasing its fragrant essence, approximately 45-60 seconds. Pour in rich heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Allow mixture to simmer, stirring consistently for 3-4 minutes until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  4. Introduce prepared pasta into the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Delicately reintroduce chicken balls into the skillet, nestling them within the silky sauce. Plate immediately while piping hot, optionally garnishing with additional grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust taste profile.
  • Prevent dry chicken balls by avoiding overmixing the meat and keeping them uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.
  • Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 619 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 552 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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