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Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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## **Instructions**

### **1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, egg, and parsley**. Mix until just combined.
2. Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into **small meatballs** (about 1-inch in size).
3. Heat a large skillet over **medium heat** and add **2 tablespoons of butter**. Once melted, add the chicken balls in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Cook for **4-5 minutes per side**, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of **165°F / 74°C**). Remove from the pan and set aside.

### **2. Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of **salted water** to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until **al dente**.
2. Reserve **½ cup of pasta water** before draining the pasta. Set aside.

### **3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce**
1. In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, add **2 tablespoons of butter** over **medium heat**.
2. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for about **30 seconds**, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the **heavy cream** and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the **Parmesan cheese**, **salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using)**. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
5. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add some of the **reserved pasta water**, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

### **4. Combine Everything**
1. Add the **cooked pasta** to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. Let it simmer for **1-2 minutes**, allowing the flavors to blend.
2. Gently place the **garlic butter chicken balls** on top of the pasta.
3. Sprinkle with **fresh parsley or basil** for garnish.

### **5. Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with **garlic bread** or a **fresh side salad** for a complete meal!

## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

🧄 **Garlic Butter Perfection** – The chicken balls are juicy, flavorful, and coated in rich garlic butter.

🧀 **Creamy & Indulgent** – The Parmesan sauce is **velvety smooth and loaded with cheesy goodness**.

🍝 **Easy to Make** – This dish comes together **in just 30-40 minutes**, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.

🌿 **Customizable** – Swap out the pasta, adjust the spice level, or add veggies for your own twist.

## **Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Pasta**

✔ **Don’t Overmix the Chicken** – Overworking the meat mixture can make the chicken balls dense. Mix just until combined.

✔ **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan** – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. For the best sauce, grate your own Parmesan.

✔ **Reserve Pasta Water** – This helps thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy and smooth.

✔ **Try Different Pasta Shapes** – **Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni** all work beautifully with this dish.

✔ **Make It Lighter** – Use **half-and-half instead of heavy cream** and **lean ground turkey instead of chicken** for a lighter version.

## **Variations to Try**

🔥 **Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Balls** – Add **½ teaspoon cayenne pepper** to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

🥦 **Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggie Pasta** – Add sautéed **mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes** for extra flavor.

🥓 **Bacon Lovers’ Version** – Stir crispy **bacon bits** into the creamy sauce for a smoky twist.

🍋 **Lemon Parmesan Pasta** – Add a splash of **fresh lemon juice** to the sauce for a fresh, zesty contrast.

## **Final Thoughts**

If you love **creamy, cheesy pasta** and **garlic butter goodness**, this **Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta** will be your new go-to meal. It’s **cozy, rich, and packed with flavor**—perfect for any night when you need a little comfort food magic.

Try it tonight and watch it become a **family favorite**! 🍽️🧄🧈💛

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