Creamy Italian Garlic Chicken Meatballs With Bowties Recipe

Savory italian garlic chicken meatballs dance with creamy pasta in a dish that promises pure comfort.

Soft, aromatic spheres of ground chicken nestle perfectly among twirled bowtie noodles.

Every bite whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen without feeling traditional.

Fragrant herbs and rich garlic create a symphony of Mediterranean flavors waiting to unfold.

Delicate meatballs packed with subtle spices complement the smooth cream sauce beautifully.

Quick and straightforward, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality magic right to your dinner table.

One forkful will convince you this meal deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Garlic Meatball and Pasta Pairings

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use ground pork instead of chicken, swap bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles, and reduce cream sauce to maintain low-carb profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for allergen-free option.
• Vegetarian Adaptation
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, select gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These meatballs use lean ground chicken which is lower in fat compared to beef or pork. They’re packed with protein and herbs, making them a nutritious meal option when prepared with moderate olive oil.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. The texture and flavor profile will remain very similar, and you can follow the exact same recipe without any major adjustments.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used as a replacement. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried parsley compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. If you don’t have parsley at all, you can skip it without significantly impacting the overall taste of the meatballs.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink color in the center when cut open.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Meatballs and Bowties That Always Satisfy

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up this mouthwatering Italian chicken meatball dish that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Foolproof Cooking: Create restaurant-quality meal with simple steps even beginner cooks can master, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients everyone loves.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a creamy, garlicky pasta experience that satisfies both kids and adults, with tender chicken meatballs and rich sauce that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Easily customize this recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or preparing components ahead of time for quick reheating during hectic weekdays.

Inside the Italian Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Bowties

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs, offers a lighter alternative to beef.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together, provides moisture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic Italian seasonings that add depth and authentic flavor to the meatballs.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic provides intense aromatic flavor throughout the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold meatballs together, adds texture and structure.

• Bowtie Pasta: Captures sauce well, provides fun texture to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates rich, creamy sauce base with balanced flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking meatballs and sautéing garlic, adds subtle flavor.

• Fresh Basil, Additional Parmesan Cheese: Adds fresh herb notes and extra cheesy finish.

Chicken Meatball Instructions with Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix everything until the ingredients are beautifully combined.

Roll the mixture into cute little meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meatballs

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs into the pan, ensuring they aren’t crowded.

Let them sizzle and dance for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

Transfer the meatballs to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a pot with water and sprinkle in some salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta according to package directions.

Once tender, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, drizzle in olive oil and sauté minced garlic until wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Meatballs

Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing until each noodle is luxuriously coated.

Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring everything together.

Allow the dish to warm for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Optional: Scatter some chopped basil on top for extra pizzazz.

Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Meatball Tips for Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta

• Mix meatball ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking the ground chicken to keep the texture light and tender.
• Use medium heat when cooking meatballs and turn them gently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking to the pan.
• Simmer the cream sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and prevent separation, stirring consistently for smooth consistency.
• Swap ground chicken with turkey or lean beef for different protein options, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Replace bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's delicious profile.

Reheat Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Bowties

• Store leftover meatballs and pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully warmed through.

Side Dishes for Garlic Chicken Meatballs

• Bright White Wine Companion: Select crisp Italian pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the garlic's zesty profile. Its light, refreshing notes balance the dish's heaviness perfectly.
• Fresh Herbal Side Salad Support: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a fresh contrast to the pasta's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread brushed with olive oil and rubbed with fresh garlic. Its crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor enhance the main dish's aromatic elements and help soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Chilled Citrus Sparkling Water Refresher: Offer a light, bubbly citrus-infused sparkling water to cut through the dish's richness and provide a palate-cleansing experience that highlights the meatballs' delicate flavors.

Italian Garlic Chicken Meatballs With Creamy Bowties Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian garlic chicken meatballs dance with creamy bowtie pasta in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Rich flavors and hearty ingredients welcome you to a classic Italian-American culinary experience that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Components:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious mixture of ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently incorporate breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until uniformly blended.
2. Shape the protein mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over moderate temperature. Carefully introduce meatballs in strategic batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing ample space for proper browning.
4. Rotate meatballs periodically, achieving a golden exterior while guaranteeing thorough internal cooking, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer completed meatballs to a separate plate.
5. Simultaneously, initiate pasta preparation by bringing a salted water vessel to a vigorous boil. Submerge bowtie pasta and cook according to package guidance until perfectly al dente.
6. Utilize the identical skillet, introducing an additional olive oil tablespoon. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, releasing its aromatic essence.
7. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Allow liquid to gently simmer, reducing and thickening over 3-4 minutes.
8. Introduce drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each bowtie with the velvety mixture.
9. Carefully reintegrate golden meatballs into the pasta-sauce composition, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive heating and flavor melding.
10. Finish the dish by removing from heat, sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan and optional chopped basil as a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for varied protein options and flavor profiles.
• Gluten-free alternatives include almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain meatball texture.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different aromatic dimension.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier sauce variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg