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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 comforting and elegant dish featuring tender chicken balls coated in rich garlic butter, paired with pasta tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, this family-friendly recipe blends bold flavors with ease, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Balls

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried or fresh)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or fusilli)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Italian herbs (optional, for seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Balls: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with finely minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently, then shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the chicken balls until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan used for chicken, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Then, add the cooked chicken balls to the pan, tossing carefully to allow them to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the creamy pasta combined with flavorful chicken balls.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
  • Do not overcook the chicken balls to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and adjust the consistency of the creamy sauce.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh, as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid oversalting the meat or sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Balls, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Dinner

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