Golden, crispy garlic butter chicken balls nestled over a bed of creamy parmesan pasta might just be your new favorite dinner. Each bite delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a garlic-kissed crunch, balanced by a velvety parmesan sauce clinging to tender pasta. It’s comfort food with a little elegance, perfect for when you want something special without the fuss.

This dish bridges the best of both worlds: the satisfying bite of pan-seared chicken and the rich silkiness of a classic cream-based pasta. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough to serve guests. If you’re craving a hearty, cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, this combo will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

The flavor pairing here is irresistible. Garlic and butter infuse the chicken balls with savory depth, while the parmesan sauce adds creamy comfort. It’s a meal that pleases both picky eaters and seasoned palates. Plus, the texture play between crispy chicken and smooth pasta is simply crave-worthy. It’s also very customizable — use your favorite pasta shape, add some spinach, or go spicy with a pinch of chili flakes.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

This recipe is flexible when it comes to pasta. Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne all work well here. Thinner pasta like angel hair might get overwhelmed by the sauce, while thicker shapes like rigatoni give a delightful bite. Just go with what you love or have on hand. If you want the sauce to cling well, pasta with ridges or a tubular shape is ideal.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

The ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples, yet they come together in a way that feels so much more than the sum of its parts.

Ground chicken: The base of the chicken balls, it’s tender and soaks up flavor well.
Breadcrumbs: For structure and to help the balls hold their shape while keeping a light texture.
Garlic: Infuses bold flavor into both the chicken and the butter sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden crust on the chicken balls.
Parmesan cheese: Essential for the sauce, bringing nutty, salty flavor that defines the dish.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the creamy pasta sauce.
Pasta: Your choice of pasta; it becomes the luxurious bed for the chicken.
Egg: Helps bind the chicken mixture together.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything into balance.
Parsley (optional): A touch of green for freshness and color.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta (1)

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated but don’t overmix or the texture may become tough.

Step 2: Form and Sear the Chicken Balls

Shape the chicken mixture into small balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Heat a generous amount of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken balls and sear until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently and stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Nestle the garlic butter chicken balls on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This recipe serves four people generously. It’s best enjoyed fresh when the pasta is ultra-creamy and the chicken is crisp. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

Garlic Bread

For those who love to mop up every last drop of sauce, a piece of crusty garlic bread is a must.

Roasted Broccoli

Its earthy bitterness is a nice balance to the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crisp Caesar adds brightness and texture contrast.

Sautéed Spinach

Quickly cooked spinach adds a healthy green touch without overpowering the main flavors.

Lemon Asparagus

Light and tangy asparagus pairs well with parmesan.

Grilled Zucchini

Adds a smoky, summery flair to the plate.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil bring a fresh Italian note.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing drink that helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other pasta favorites:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add a twist like chili flakes or sun-dried tomatoes? Did you try it with gluten-free pasta?

I love seeing your versions and ideas. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — we’re all here to learn and cook better together.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s full of flavor, incredibly satisfying, and totally doable even on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.