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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner featuring juicy chicken meatballs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with silky, parmesan-coated pasta. This indulgent yet simple meal offers bold flavors and creamy textures, perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free alternative)
  • Salted water for boiling

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional parmesan cheese (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Italian herbs, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix well and shape the mixture into uniform bite-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  3. Brow the Meatballs: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the heavy cream or milk, followed by the finely grated parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
  5. Combine Meatballs and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken meatballs and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese over the dish if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Keep meatballs small for even cooking and tender texture.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
  • Freshly grate parmesan cheese for a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and to achieve proper searing.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and maintain lusciousness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken balls, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken meatballs, quick dinner, one-pot meal, family-friendly, Italian herbs, comfort food

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/garlic-butter-chicken-balls-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta/