# Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta
**Meta Title**: Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta Recipe
**Meta Description**: Indulge in these mouthwatering garlic butter chicken balls served with creamy pasta. A perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions!
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of pasta draped in a silky sauce, especially when paired with tender, flavorful chicken. Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic butter fills your kitchen, teasing your senses and igniting a mouthwatering craving. These **Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta** are just the ticket to warm you up and delight your taste buds. They’re not just a meal; they’re a way to gather your loved ones around the table and share a moment of joy.
You’ll love this dish for its simplicity and the way it brings together rich flavors and textures. The garlic butter chicken balls are succulent, infused with the sweet warmth of garlic, while the creamy pasta is a rich canvas that complements every bite. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore its layers of flavor together!
## What are Garlic Butter Chicken Balls?
Garlic butter chicken balls are tender, juicy meatballs made primarily from minced chicken and a zesty garlic butter mixture. The combination produces a flavor profile that is both aromatic and rich, making these little bites of heaven utterly irresistible. What sets this dish apart is not just its flavor but its lovely texture — each chicken ball is delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
These chicken balls come alive with the *sweet and savory notes* from garlic and combined with the creamy pasta, it transforms into a comforting dinner that feels luxurious yet remains easy enough for a weeknight meal. You name it, and this dish has all it: warmth, comfort, and pure delight in every bite!
## Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta
– **Quick and Easy**: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to treat your family to a delicious meal.
– **Family-Friendly**: Kids and adults alike will devour these flavorful chicken balls and rich, creamy pasta, making dinner a breeze.
– **Comforting and Hearty**: Ideal for chilly evenings, the warm, garlicky goodness will make your home feel cozy and inviting.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to work with flavors and ingredients. Add vegetables or spice up the sauce to your liking.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Make a large batch ahead of time — they freeze beautifully for a quick meal later.
– **Impressive Presentation**: Serve alongside a refreshing salad or a glass of wine, and you’ve got a dish that looks as good as it tastes!
– **Delicious Leftovers**: The flavors only get better with time. You’ll be looking forward to lunch the next day!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:
– **1 lb (450g) ground chicken**: The base of the meatballs. Use fresh for the best flavor.
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**: This will give a robust flavor and aroma.
– **1/2 cup breadcrumbs**: Helps bind the meatballs together for that perfect texture.
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**: Adds a nutty richness to the meatballs.
– **1 egg**: Works as a binder.
– **1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped**: A hint of freshness.
– **Salt and pepper to taste**: For seasoning.
– **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes**: Optional, for a kick of heat.
### For the Creamy Pasta:
– **8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice**: Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully here.
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**: Used to sauté the ingredients.
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**: Because you can never have too much garlic!
– **1 cup heavy cream**: For that luxurious, rich sauce.
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese**: For depth of flavor and creaminess.
– **Salt and black pepper to taste**: Essential for flavor.
– **Fresh basil or parsley for garnish**: Adds beautiful color.
## How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta
### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground chicken**, **breadcrumbs**, **minced garlic**, **Parmesan cheese**, **egg**, **parsley**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Use your hands to mix everything until well combined. Don’t over-mix, as you want the meatballs to remain tender.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Makes around 18-20 meatballs, depending on size.
3. In a large skillet, melt **2 tablespoons of butter** over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, gently add the chicken balls. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
### Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pasta
4. In the same skillet, add **1 tablespoon of olive oil** and **2 cloves of minced garlic**. Let it sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic — you want it just golden.
5. Add the **heavy cream** to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the **Parmesan cheese**, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with **salt** and **black pepper** to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, don’t panic! A splash of chicken broth or pasta water can help thin it out to your desired consistency.
7. Meanwhile, cook the **pasta** according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Drain, but reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
8. Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing to combine. If it seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency.
### Step 3: Bring it All Together
9. Gently fold the cooked chicken balls back into the pasta, allowing the flavors to mingle. Cook everything together for an additional minute.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
## Expert Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **For Extra Flavor**: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the creamy sauce for added texture and nutrition.
– **Make It Healthier**: Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist while reducing calories.
– **Batch Cooking**: Make extra meatballs and freeze them. Thaw and heat them up in a savory sauce for a quick meal.
– **Swapping Proteins**: Don’t have ground chicken? Use ground turkey or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats can have varying cook times.
– **Oven-Baked Option**: If you’re short on time, you can bake the meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
## What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta
– **Crunchy Caesar Salad**: The crispness and tang of a Caesar salad pair beautifully with the richness of this dish.
– **Garlic Bread**: You can never go wrong with buttered, toasted garlic bread for sopping up the creamy sauce!
– **Roasted Vegetables**: A side of seasonal roasted veggies balances the meal with freshness and color.
– **Red Wine**: Elevate your dinner experience with a glass of Merlot or Cabernet, which stands up beautifully to the richness of the dish.
## Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
Leftover garlic butter chicken balls & creamy pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the chicken balls can be frozen; just ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. For the pasta, add a splash of cream or broth to revive its silkiness while reheating.
Meal prep this dish by making the chicken balls and creamy sauce on the weekend. You can assemble and cook the pasta fresh during the week for quick dinners.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I use other types of meat for the chicken balls?**
Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives can be used in place of ground chicken. Just ensure they are cooked to the appropriate temperature.
**2. How can I make the sauce lighter?**
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie count while still maintaining a creamy texture.
**3. What if I can’t find fresh parsley?**
Dried parsley can be used, although fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley in this case.
**4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?**
Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and be sure to choose gluten-free pasta.
**5. How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?**
Make sure to stir the pasta during cooking and rinse it briefly with cold water after draining if you’re not serving it immediately. This will help stop the cooking process.
## Conclusion
Now it’s your turn — grab your ingredients and create this magic in your kitchen tonight! The comforting allure of **Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta** awaits you, ready to envelop you in flavors that not only satisfy your hunger but also warm your heart. Don’t forget to share your results with me; I love hearing how it turns out for you! Tag me when you try it! [Read also: Your Favorite Pasta Salad Recipe].
