Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Oh, friend, let me just say—you’re in for a real treat with this one. Imagine tender, juicy chicken balls, perfectly golden and kissed with garlicky butter, nestled on a bed of dreamy, creamy Parmesan pasta. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a date night yet simple enough for a cozy dinner in your PJs. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s a game-changer. So, grab your apron, because this dish is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Irresistibly Delicious: The buttery garlic sauce and creamy Parmesan pasta make for a flavor-packed duo that’s downright addictive.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone—kids, adults, even picky eaters—will devour this dish in no time.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the pasta type, add veggies, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!

Ingredients in Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken Balls

Ground Chicken: The star of the show, tender and flavorful when seasoned just right.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor you’ll love.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the chicken balls while giving them a satisfying texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick to the chicken balls.
Egg: Keeps everything together in perfect harmony.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

Butter: Because what’s garlic butter without the butter?
Fresh Garlic: Loads of it for that irresistible aroma.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Pasta: Your favorite kind—spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine works beautifully.
Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.

Instructions

Make the Chicken Balls

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and set aside.

Cook the Chicken Balls

Sear to Perfection: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken balls until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add Parsley: Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until fully coated.

Assemble and Serve

Bring It Together: Add the chicken balls back to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes.
Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta with chicken balls on top, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad to add some fresh greens.
Bread: Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Wine: A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Mix and roll the chicken balls ahead of time to save on prep.
Reheat with Care: Warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to keep everything creamy.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for added nutrients.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and is just as flavorful.

Q2: What pasta works best for this recipe?

A2: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are top choices, but penne or rigatoni would be great too.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze the chicken balls?

A4: Yes! Freeze them uncooked or fully cooked, and thaw before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A5: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?

A6: Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use gluten-free pasta.

Q7: How can I add more flavor?

A7: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of white wine in the sauce adds extra zing.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Absolutely! Just use a bigger skillet to accommodate the extra portions.

Q9: What can I serve with this for a complete meal?

A9: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad make great accompaniments.

Q10: Can I use a dairy-free alternative?

A10: Yes, you can substitute the cream and Parmesan with dairy-free versions, but the flavor will vary slightly.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a dish that’s equal parts comfort and indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a superstar in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish delivers on all fronts—flavor, ease, and pure satisfaction. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every garlicky, buttery, cheesy bite. Trust me, this one’s going straight into your regular rotation. Enjoy!

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Juicy, tender garlic butter chicken balls served with creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfectly golden brown chicken, rich, velvety sauce, and pasta that’s as comforting as it gets!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stove-top
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Chicken Balls:
    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • 1 egg
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons butter

    For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

    For the Pasta:

    1. 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Form into small meatballs.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken balls for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken balls to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
  • Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley.

Notes

  • You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
  • For a little extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce.
  • To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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