Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines juicy, flavorful chicken bites with a rich, velvety Parmesan pasta sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Balls:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or tenders, finely chopped)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Balls

2. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1½ inches in diameter).
5. Place the chicken balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and roll them around for even coating.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken Balls

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

8. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and minced garlic.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

9. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
10. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
11. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

12. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
13. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
14. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
15. Season with salt & pepper. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

16. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce until fully coated.
17. Serve the pasta hot, topped with garlic butter chicken balls.
18. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the chicken balls.
19. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 8: Enjoy!

20. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, comforting dish!

30 Popular Questions & Answers About Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

General Recipe Questions

1. What are garlic butter chicken balls?
   • They’re juicy, bite-sized chicken meatballs, coated in garlic butter and served with creamy pasta.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Yes! Prepare the chicken balls in advance and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
3. Do I need to chop the chicken finely?
   • Yes, finely chopping ensures tender, moist chicken balls. You can also pulse in a food processor.
4. What type of pasta works best?
   • Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne hold the sauce well.
5. Can I air-fry the chicken balls instead of baking?
   • Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ingredient Substitutions

6. Can I use ground chicken instead of chopped?
   • Yes! Ground chicken works well and saves time.
7. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
   • Try almond flour (for low-carb) or crushed crackers.
8. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   • Yes, but add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
9. What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
   • Try Asiago, Romano, or Grana Padano.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?

• Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Cooking & Preparation Questions

11. How do I prevent dry chicken balls?

• Do not overmix and do not overbake.

12. Can I pan-fry the chicken balls?

• Yes! Cook in olive oil over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

13. How do I make the sauce thicker?

• Simmer longer or add ½ teaspoon cornstarch.

14. Can I add extra seasonings?

• Yes! Try Italian seasoning, paprika, or chili flakes.

15. What if the sauce is too thin?

• Add extra Parmesan or reduce over low heat.

Storage & Leftovers

16. How long does this last in the fridge?

• 3 days in an airtight container.

17. Can I freeze this dish?

• Freeze chicken balls separately; thaw before reheating.

18. How do I reheat leftovers?

• Warm pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk.

19. Can I store pasta and chicken separately?

• Yes! This prevents the chicken from getting soggy.

20. Can I meal prep this?

• Absolutely! Store portions in meal prep containers.

Customization & Variations

21. How can I make it spicy?

• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

22. Can I add vegetables?

• Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers are great additions.

23. Can I use a different protein?

• Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu.

24. How do I make it extra cheesy?

• Stir in ½ cup mozzarella into the sauce.

25. Can I add lemon for brightness?

• Yes! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the richness.

Serving Suggestions

26. What sides go well with this?

• Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a side salad.

27. Can I serve this with rice instead of pasta?

• Yes! Creamy risotto or steamed rice work well.

28. What wine pairs best with this dish?

• Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio.

29. Can I make this dish for a party?

• Yes! Make smaller bite-sized chicken balls for appetizers.

30. How can I make this a one-pan meal?

• Cook the chicken balls in the same pan as the sauce!

30 Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken Balls

1. Use fresh, high-quality chicken for best texture.
2. Chill the mixture before shaping for easier handling.
3. Sear for extra crispiness before baking.

For the Sauce

4. Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
5. Whisk constantly for a smooth, lump-free sauce.

For Meal Prep & Storage

6. Store sauce and pasta separately.
7. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for any occasion! 🍝🔥✨