Let’s talk comfort food—but make it quick, flavorful, and totally weeknight-friendly. Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of a long day. You know, when your to-do list is still giving you side-eye, and the last thing you want is to spend an hour in the kitchen wrestling with ingredients you can’t pronounce.
This recipe is the answer to that inner dialogue of “What’s for dinner?” It’s warm, buttery, full of garlicky goodness, and features tender chicken meatballs nestled in a dreamy, creamy parmesan sauce over twirls of pasta. And yes, balls of butter and love are absolutely involved.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Aside from the fact that this dish smells like your Italian grandma (real or imagined) is cooking up something special just for you, here are a few other reasons this meal will earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation:
- It’s a one-two punch of cozy and craveable.
- The meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- That creamy parmesan sauce? Rich and velvety without being too heavy.
- It uses pantry staples you probably already have.
- Bonus: It reheats like a dream. Lunch leftovers, anyone?
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Step by Step To Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Mix until everything’s just combined—don’t overwork it, or your meatballs might get a little tough.
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls. You should get around 16-18 little bites of happiness.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Whip Up That Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold), melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese, and stir until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If it looks a little thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen things up.
Top it all off with your golden garlic butter chicken balls, and just like that—you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your cozy kitchen.
Cooking Tips to Keep You Smiling
- Don’t stress the “perfect” shape—your meatballs don’t need to win a beauty contest. Rustic is real!
- Balls of butter may sound indulgent (and, well, they are), but they bring incredible richness to both the meatballs and the sauce.
- If your sauce thickens up too much while you finish the pasta, just stir in a little extra broth or cream. Easy fix!
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta , it was one of those nights. You know—the kids were hangry, my inbox was out of control, and I barely had the energy to open the fridge. But somehow, these buttery little meatballs and that creamy pasta pulled the whole night together. My youngest even licked the plate. That’s when I knew we had a winner.
Now it’s my go-to for when I want to feel like Supermom without actually having to be one.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
How do I know if the chicken meatballs are cooked through?
They should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. If you’re unsure, slice one open—if the juices run clear and the inside is firm, you’re good to go.
What should the internal temperature of a chicken meatball be?
For perfectly safe and juicy meatballs, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A quick-read meat thermometer is your best friend here—no guesswork needed!
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep them a day in advance and refrigerate. You can even freeze them uncooked—just thaw before cooking.
Can I substitute ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works great here—just keep an eye on moisture levels. You may want to add a splash of olive oil to the mix to keep things juicy.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop everything into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.
Can I use different pasta?
Totally! Fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta all work beautifully.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, the comfort meal your weeknight didn’t know it needed. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, indulgent enough for a weekend dinner, and flexible enough to make your own.
Trust me, once you try it, those garlic butter chicken balls will be on repeat in your kitchen—and nobody’s complaining about that.
Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top… because we all deserve a little extra, right?
Keep the Comfort Food Coming
If Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hit the spot, you’re in for a treat with even more creamy, cozy, and flavor-packed dishes.
Craving another indulgent pasta night? Don’t miss this velvety Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta—it brings a spicy kick to your dinner table.
For something equally rich but with a zesty twist, try the Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup—perfect for chilly evenings.
Looking for another meatball masterpiece? You’ll love the bright and bold flavor in Chicken Piccata Meatballs.
If your family loves all things creamy and garlic-loaded, be sure to try the ultra-satisfying Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
And for a unique take on comfort food, don’t skip the ultra-crispy and totally fun Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s delicious.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cozy and comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a weeknight dinner dream—easy, buttery, garlicky, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for busy families who want something satisfying without the fuss!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings until just combined. Form into 1½-inch balls.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return meatballs to the pan and serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken.
For extra moisture in the meatballs, don’t overmix.
A splash of pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Meatballs can be made ahead or frozen uncooked.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg