Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of ground chicken
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 lb of pasta
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Brush the melted butter over the chicken balls.
- Bake the chicken balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve the chicken balls over the creamy Parmesan pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Popular Questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
- Q: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
- Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Q: Can I freeze the chicken balls?
- Q: What other herbs can I use for garnish?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken in this recipe for a similar flavor profile.
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
A: You can substitute non-dairy alternatives for the butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
A: You can use fresh basil or chives as alternatives to parsley for garnish.
Helpful Tips:
- Season the chicken balls with additional herbs or spices like paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the creamy Parmesan pasta for a boost of nutrients.
- For a cheesy crust on the chicken balls, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- To make the pasta sauce creamier, add a splash of chicken broth while heating the heavy cream and Parmesan.
- You can make the chicken balls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake for a quick meal prep option.
Expert Secrets:
- For extra crispy chicken balls, broil them for a few minutes after baking to achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Marinate the ground chicken mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping into balls to enhance the flavor.
- Use a combination of grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese for a more complex cheesy flavor in the pasta sauce.
- Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the chicken balls for a sweet and tangy twist.