Here’s a restaurant-worthy recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in garlic herb butter, served over silky parmesan pasta. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
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1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or chicken breast, finely minced)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Chicken Balls:
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In a bowl, mix ground chicken, panko, parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
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Roll into 1-inch balls (about 20-24).
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken balls for 8-10 mins, turning until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 min until fragrant.
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Stir in lemon juice, then toss the cooked chicken balls in the sauce. Keep warm.
3. Cook the Pasta:
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
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In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 secs, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.
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Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Toss with pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed for silkiness.
4. Serve:
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Plate the creamy pasta, top with garlic butter chicken balls, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Tips & Variations
✅ Meat swap: Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken.
✅ Extra veggies: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the pasta.
✅ Crispy option: Bake chicken balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins instead of frying.
✅ Make ahead: Prep chicken balls and sauce separately, then reheat before serving.
This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for date night or family dinners—creamy pasta with juicy, garlicky chicken bites will have everyone asking for seconds! 😋🍝🍗