If youâre looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal that combines crispy chicken balls with rich Parmesan sauce, this recipe is for you! These garlic butter chicken balls are perfectly seasoned and paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta thatâs sure to become a family favorite. Itâs simple to make and has that restaurant-quality taste without the hassle.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Balls:
- 2 chicken breasts (ground)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (fettuccine works wonderfully, but any pasta you like will do)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well-combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the Chicken Balls:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken balls in the pan, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them nice and golden on the outside, but theyâll continue cooking in the oven.
- Once browned, transfer the chicken balls to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- While the chicken balls are baking, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a separate pan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir the cream occasionally and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once the cream starts to simmer, stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook a little longer. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or pasta water.
- Toss the Pasta:
- While the sauce is thickening, toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until itâs completely coated. If needed, you can add a little pasta water to help loosen the sauce.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the chicken balls are done baking, place them on top of the creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the chicken balls with the creamy pasta immediately while itâs still warm. You can even sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Tips & Variations:
- Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Add Veggies: Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables into the pasta for some extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy Parmesan sauce or in the chicken mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken balls ahead of time and freeze them! Just brown them, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen when youâre ready to use themâjust add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use store-bought ground chicken instead of whole chicken breasts?
- A: Yes, absolutely! Ground chicken from the store will save you time and work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure itâs lean ground chicken for the best results.
Q: Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
- A: If you need to avoid breadcrumbs, you can try using crushed crackers, panko, or even oats as a binder in place of breadcrumbs. Just adjust the amount to get the right texture.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the pasta sauce?
- A: Sure! While Parmesan is the classic choice for its nutty, salty flavor, you could try using Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a twist. Keep in mind, itâll change the flavor profile a bit.
Q: Can I cook the chicken balls entirely on the stovetop?
- A: Yes! If you prefer not to bake them, you can cook the chicken balls entirely in the skillet. Just cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side, making sure they are fully cooked through before serving.
Q: How do I make the sauce even creamier?
- A: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce as it simmers, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a silkier consistency.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish everyone will love! Itâs indulgent, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether youâre looking to impress at a dinner party or just need a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy! đ