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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making **Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta**.
#### **1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls**
Let’s start by preparing the chicken balls. The chicken meatballs are the heart of this dish, and the garlic butter gives them that amazing flavor.
– **Mix the Meatball Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
– **Form the Meatballs**: With your hands, roll the chicken mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs so that they cook quickly and evenly.
– **Cook the Chicken Meatballs**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken meatballs to the skillet. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
#### **2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**
Now that the chicken meatballs are cooked, it’s time to make the flavorful garlic butter sauce that will coat the meatballs.
– **Sauté the Garlic**: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
– **Add Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice**: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
– **Return Meatballs to the Skillet**: Add the cooked chicken meatballs back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the meatballs gently in the sauce, making sure they are fully coated. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
#### **3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta**
While the chicken meatballs are simmering in the garlic butter sauce, you can prepare the creamy parmesan pasta.
– **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
– **Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce**: In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a paste). Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
– **Add the Parmesan**: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
#### **4. Combine and Serve**
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to combine the pasta and chicken meatballs.
– **Toss the Pasta**: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy parmesan sauce, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to make the sauce smoother.
– **Serve**: Plate the creamy parmesan pasta, and top it with the garlic butter chicken meatballs. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
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### **Tips and Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta**
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
1. **Add Vegetables**: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the creamy pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
2. **Spicy Kick**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.
3. **Use Different Cheeses**: Swap out the parmesan for other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
4. **Make it a One-Pot Meal**: For a simplified version, cook the pasta directly in the garlic butter sauce to infuse it with extra flavor.
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### **Conclusion**
**Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta** is a show-stopping dish that brings together tender chicken meatballs, rich garlic butter sauce, and a velvety parmesan pasta. The combination of juicy meatballs and creamy pasta creates the ultimate comfort food experience. With its satisfying flavors and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time!
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