Here’s a tasty recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s the perfect combo of juicy, flavorful chicken balls and a rich, creamy pasta.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:
- Make the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using). Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the chicken balls: Using your hands, form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a plate.
- Cook the chicken balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken balls in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook, turning occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken balls from the pan and set aside.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet you used for the chicken balls, add 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If you need more sauce, you can add a bit more cream or pasta water.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken balls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Enjoy your garlic butter chicken balls with creamy Parmesan pasta – it’s comfort food at its best! 😋