Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe – Easy Creamy Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce served over spaghetti or linguine. The garlic flavor shines through, and the use of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creaminess that makes each bite heavenly. It’s not just delicious; this dish is also simple to make and will create an impressive meal for your family or guests.

This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit various tastes. You can easily swap out ingredients, such as adding different herbs or spices or even substituting ground chicken for turkey or beef. The creamy sauce is a comforting classic that pairs well with many other proteins and vegetables. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens if you choose to add fresh vegetables to the mix.

This recipe also highlights the magic of homemade meatballs. They are easy to prepare, cook quickly, and can be made in advance. Serving them over pasta adds heartiness to the dish, transforming it from a simple meatball recipe into a fulfilling meal. Your family will love the comforting flavors and flavorsome garlic butter sauce!

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta is a straightforward process that can be broken down into just a few essential steps. Follow this guide, and you will have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for sauce)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (cooked according to package instructions)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, the lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until fully incorporated. The mixture should be sticky but hold together. Once everything is mixed, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the rolled chicken balls on a plate while you prepare to cook them.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, carefully place the chicken balls in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the chicken balls for approximately 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken balls to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken balls, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Finally, stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Assemble

Once your pasta is cooked according to the package instructions, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce’s thickness later. Add the cooked spaghetti or linguine to the creamy sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. Finally, return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet and gently toss everything together until combined. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta can be served in a variety of ways to please your family’s palate. Here are some simple suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

1. Garnishing: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor of the dish.

2. Side Dishes: Pair your pasta with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. A refreshing Caesar salad complements the creamy sauce well, providing a nice contrast in flavors.

3. Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. This turns a delightful meal into a satisfying feast.

4. Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in individual bowls with the chicken balls artfully arranged on top, and drizzle some of the sauce over them.

5. Variations of Pasta: While spaghetti or linguine works beautifully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free alternatives.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

Storing any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta is simple and will help keep your meal fresh for the next day. Follow these straightforward steps to properly store and reheat:

1. Storage: Allow any leftover pasta and chicken balls to cool to room temperature. Transfer them into an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator. For optimal taste and freshness, consume leftovers within 2-3 days.

2. Freezing: If you want to save the dish for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken balls separately from the pasta. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The chicken balls can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can freeze the pasta in a separate container, but keep in mind that the texture may change after thawing.

3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat the chicken balls in the oven or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For pasta, you can add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore consistency, and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken Balls and ensure the best results every time:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, especially garlic and herbs, the more flavorful your dish will be. Fresh garlic has a much stronger flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic.

2. Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: When mixing your ground chicken with the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

3. Chill Before Cooking: If you have time, chill the rolled chicken balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with different spice blends. Adding crushed red pepper flakes can add heat, while fresh herbs like dill or oregano can be incorporated for additional flavor.

5. Add Vegetables: You can easily incorporate vegetables into your dish. Add spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms into the creamy sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

6. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking.

Variation

This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta recipe is very flexible. Here are a few variations you can consider to change things up:

1. Add Spinach: Incorporate fresh spinach into the creamy sauce by cooking it down before you toss in the pasta. The additional greens boost nutrition and provide a lovely color contrast.

2. Mushrooms: Adding sautéed mushrooms brings an earthy flavor to the dish. You can toss them into the garlic butter when you’re making the cream sauce for an added touch.

3. Different Proteins: Swap out ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want a vegetarian option.

4. Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is classic, experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or even crumbled feta can provide a unique taste experience.

5. Herbs & Zest: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest to brighten up the creamy sauce. Fresh basil or parsley can also give your dish a fresh twist.

6. Pasta Shape: Change up the pasta by using other varieties like farfalle, shells, or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the chicken balls ahead of time. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for later use.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape you prefer. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you’d like a healthier or dietary-specific option.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
   This meal pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can choose anything that complements the creamy flavors of the pasta.

4. How can I reduce the calories in this recipe?
   To lower the calorie count, you can swap out ground chicken for a leaner protein option, use less cream, or substitute with lower-calorie sauces. You could also reduce the amount of pasta and serve with more vegetables.

5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Yes, kids usually love meatballs and pasta, making this dish a great family-friendly option. Adjust the spice level as needed to suit younger taste buds.

6. How spicy is this dish?
   The dish itself is mild. However, if you want to add some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or adjusting the seasoning to meet your preferences.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Easy Creamy Pasta recipe is not only simple to prepare but also comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for any night of the week, and your family will surely request it time and time again! Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!

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