Description

Get ready to impress with these Garlic Butter Chicken Balls paired with a dreamy Creamy Parmesan Pasta! This easy recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken bites bursting with garlic flavor, served over silky fettuccine coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish checks all the boxes—comfort food, fast prep, and a flavor combo that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new easy dinner recipe, quick pasta idea, or food ideas to satisfy picky eaters, this meal fits right into your rotation. Think creamy chicken pasta meets meatballs—only better!

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp butter (for searing)

1 tbsp butter (for sauce)

2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

2 tbsp chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mix well and form into 1.5-inch balls.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken balls until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste.

5. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

6. Add chicken balls back into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.

7. Toss in cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix to coat everything in the sauce.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the chicken balls in garlic-infused butter before adding to the sauce.

Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference—avoid pre-shredded if possible for a smoother sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 155mg