If you’re looking for the perfect comfort meal that’s both rich in flavor and simple to make, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is exactly what you need. It combines juicy, pan-fried chicken balls coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a silky, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s hard to resist.

This dish brings together two crowd-pleasers in one: tender, savory chicken bites and a decadent pasta sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare right at home, making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN AND PASTA RECIPE

There are plenty of reasons this recipe might quickly become a favorite:

• The chicken bites are packed with flavor thanks to Parmesan, garlic, and herbs mixed right into the meat.
• The garlic butter sauce adds another layer of richness and fragrance.
• The creamy Parmesan pasta balances perfectly with the savory chicken for a complete, hearty meal.
• It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve for special occasions.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Let’s gather everything you need to bring this dish together:

For the Chicken Balls:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

TIPS BEFORE YOU START

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
• Prep all ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smooth.
• Make sure your ground chicken mixture is well combined but not over-mixed to keep the meatballs tender.

LET’S GET STARTED: THE FIRST STEPS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE CHICKEN BALLS

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the chicken balls tender.

STEP 2: SHAPE THE BALLS

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.

STEP 3: COOK THE CHICKEN BALLS

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the chicken balls, turning occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken balls from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

HOW TO MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE AND CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

With the chicken balls perfectly cooked and set aside, it’s time to move on to the rich garlic butter sauce and the creamy Parmesan pasta that will complete this comforting dish.

THE SECRET TO THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FLAVORS

The key to this recipe is layering flavors. The garlic butter sauce adds a fragrant richness that complements the savory chicken bites, while the creamy Parmesan sauce for the pasta brings everything together with its smooth, cheesy texture. Each element on its own is delicious, but together they create a restaurant-quality meal.

LET’S CONTINUE: PREPARING THE SAUCES AND COMBINING EVERYTHING

STEP 4: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken balls, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Return the cooked chicken balls to the skillet and gently toss to coat them fully in the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to low to keep them warm while you prepare the pasta.

STEP 5: COOK THE PASTA

While the garlic butter chicken is warming, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to adjust the sauce consistency later.

STEP 6: PREPARE THE CREAMY PARMESAN SAUCE

In a separate large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Once the cream is heated through, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

STEP 7: COMBINE AND SERVE

Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta first, creating a generous bed of noodles. Top with the warm garlic butter chicken balls. Finish by garnishing with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and Parmesan elevate the flavor of both the chicken and the pasta.
• Do not overcook the chicken balls: Fry until just cooked through to keep them juicy.
• Reserve pasta water: It helps thin out and smooth the creamy Parmesan sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Work in batches: Frying the chicken balls in small batches ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding the pan.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot for the ultimate creamy texture and flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It’s hearty enough for dinner guests but simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal. The leftovers also reheat beautifully for an easy lunch the next day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

Even though this recipe is simple to follow, a few common questions may come up. Here are answers to help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of ground chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey or beef can easily be substituted for ground chicken. The flavor profile will change slightly, but both options work well with the garlic butter sauce and creamy pasta.

2. Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?

Yes. You can bake the chicken balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking is a great option for a lighter, less oily version.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to the pasta if it thickens too much upon reheating.

4. Can I freeze the chicken balls?

Yes. You can freeze the uncooked chicken balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. You can also freeze the cooked chicken balls and reheat them later.

5. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine and spaghetti work perfectly, but you can also use linguine, penne, or any pasta you have on hand. The creamy Parmesan sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes.

6. Can I make the garlic butter sauce and creamy pasta sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare both sauces ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat before serving and stir well to bring back the smooth consistency.

7. Is heavy cream necessary for the pasta sauce?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

CONCLUSION: A COMFORTING, FLAVORFUL MEAL YOU’LL MAKE AGAIN AND AGAIN

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. The juicy chicken bites tossed in garlic butter pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan pasta for a meal that feels special but comes together easily at home.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Feel free to experiment with variations and make it your own. Once you try it, this dish is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

Print