The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

These Garlic Butter Chicken Balls paired with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are everything you love about hearty, home-cooked comfort food—just with a lighter twist. Juicy, seasoned chicken balls are pan-seared in garlicky butter and served over a bed of rich, creamy pasta that satisfies without weighing you down. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something warm, indulgent, and balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Garlic Flavor – Every bite of the chicken balls bursts with garlicky goodness.
Golden Butter Finish – A little butter goes a long way to create rich flavor.
Creamy but Light – The parmesan sauce is made creamy with lighter ingredients.
Family-Friendly & Filling – A complete, satisfying meal that pleases everyone.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Balls:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp light butter or olive oil (for cooking)

For the Pasta:

  • 6 oz whole wheat spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • 1 tbsp light butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp light cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Chicken Balls
In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Form into 16–18 small balls.

3. Sear the Chicken Balls
Heat light butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until fully cooked through.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat and add garlic and butter. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in almond milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan and cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Plate the pasta and top with warm chicken balls. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 32g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix the Chicken – Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Use Fresh Garlic – It adds a more vibrant, authentic flavor to both parts of the dish.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency – Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

Why This Recipe Works

The chicken balls are flavorful and protein-packed, while the creamy pasta provides the richness you crave—with a lighter sauce that doesn’t skimp on taste. The two components come together for a dish that feels indulgent yet fits easily into a more mindful way of eating.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta deliver everything you want from a cozy, satisfying meal—big flavor, creamy texture, and comforting warmth. This recipe makes it easy to treat yourself to a hearty dinner without going overboard.

The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

360

kcal

A delicious and lighter comfort meal featuring juicy garlic chicken balls seared in butter and served over creamy parmesan pasta. Rich in flavor and ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a balanced dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Balls:

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1 tbsp light butter or olive oil (for cooking)

  • For the Pasta:

  • 6 oz whole wheat spaghetti or pasta of choice

  • 1 tbsp light butter

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)

  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp light cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Chicken Balls
    In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Form into 16–18 small balls.
  • Sear the Chicken Balls
    Heat light butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until fully cooked through.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce
    In the same skillet, reduce heat and add garlic and butter. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in almond milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan and cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine and Serve
    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Plate the pasta and top with warm chicken balls. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix the Chicken – Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
    Use Fresh Garlic – It adds a more vibrant, authentic flavor to both parts of the dish.
    Adjust the Sauce Consistency – Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

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