Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A Comfort Food Combo You’ll Make Again and Again
Looking for a dinner that’s equal parts cozy, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to impress? Meet your new favorite: Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Juicy, golden chicken meatballs are infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, then pan-seared in rich garlic butter. They’re served over a bed of silky, parmesan-laced pasta for a match made in comfort food heaven.
This recipe hits all the right notes — crispy, creamy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or planning a cozy date night in, this dish checks every box.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ultimate comfort food with a restaurant-style finish
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Garlicky, buttery flavor in every bite
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Creamy pasta sauce that clings to every noodle
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Easy to prep ahead and reheat beautifully
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A fun twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs
🧄 Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:
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1 lb (450g) ground chicken
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¼ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated parmesan
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
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2 tbsp butter
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1 clove garlic (sliced or minced for garlic butter sauce)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine work best)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¾ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or nutmeg
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
🍽️ How to Make It
1. Prepare the Chicken Balls
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to combine until just mixed — don’t overwork it.
Roll into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches). You should get around 16–18.
2. Cook the Chicken Balls
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
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Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, lower heat and add 2 tbsp butter and sliced garlic.
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Sauté until fragrant and just golden — about 1 minute.
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Return the chicken balls to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter to coat.
4. Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
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In a clean saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
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Add parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy.
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If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Assemble and Serve
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until fully coated. Plate the pasta and top generously with the garlic butter chicken balls. Garnish with extra parmesan and herbs.
📝 Tips & Variations
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No ground chicken? Swap in ground turkey or even ground pork.
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Make it crispy: Add a light breadcrumb coating before pan-frying for extra texture.
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Add greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas to the pasta sauce for color and nutrients.
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter or cream sauce for a kick.
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Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
🧄 Why This Recipe Works
It’s all about layering flavor. The chicken balls are seasoned and seared for golden, juicy bites, then coated in garlic butter for richness. Pairing them with a creamy parmesan pasta balances the dish — you get the crisp and savory meat with a silky, cheesy base.
It’s indulgent, yes, but it’s also incredibly easy to pull off — making it perfect for both weeknight meals and weekend treats.
🥂 What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Parmesan Pasta
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Roasted or steamed broccoli
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Garlic bread (because yes, more garlic!)
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A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you’re bored of the same old pasta night or looking to impress without a lot of effort, this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a game changer. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor — yet made from simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Trust us, this one’s going into your permanent dinner rotation.
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