Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta
A comforting dish featuring juicy chicken balls in garlic butter paired with creamy Parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls
- 1 pound ground chicken Lean ground turkey can be substituted.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup butter, melted For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free butter.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika Adds warmth to the dish.
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
- 8 ounces pasta of choice Gluten-free pasta can be used.
- 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with almond or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until just combined.
Form the Chicken Balls
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake the Chicken Balls
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is baking, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve the Dish
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken balls, garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, incorporate a splash of lemon juice into the cream sauce or a pinch of nutmeg into the cheese sauce.