Alfredo Meatballs Recipe

Try Our Homemade Alfredo Meatballs Recipe: A Savory Dinner Win

Comfort food reaches new heights with these creamy alfredo meatballs that blend Italian-inspired flavors into a mouthwatering dish.

Tender ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, creating perfectly seasoned spheres of deliciousness.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the juicy meatballs.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes this recipe irresistible.

Garlic and fresh parsley bring bright, aromatic notes to the plate.

You’ll love how quickly these meatballs come together for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Serve these over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luxurious sauce.

What Goes Into Alfredo Meatballs

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile meat perfect for creating tender meatballs.
Meatball Binding Ingredients:
  • Italian Bread Crumbs, Milk, Egg: Classic components that help hold the meatballs together with great texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a delicious savory flavor to the meatball mixture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Herbs and spices that bring depth and warmth to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce a sharp and tangy finish.
  • Garlic: Adds a classic aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright and fresh touch to the finished dish.

How to Make Alfredo Meatballs

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your magical meatball ingredients:
  • Ground chicken
  • Italian bread crumbs
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Parmesan cheese

Blend everything until the mixture is perfectly unified.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Golden Bites

Roll the mixture into adorable small meatballs.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

Step 4: Craft Velvety Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic magic.

Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Boost Sauce Creaminess

Pull the skillet off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently drop the baked meatballs into the Alfredo sauce, tenderly coating each one in creamy goodness.

Step 7: Plate and Devour

Serve these delectable meatballs over pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh parsley on top for a stunning finish.

Tips for Creamy Meatballs

  • Swap ground chicken with turkey or lean beef for varied protein options while maintaining the recipe's delicious flavor profile.
  • Add an extra splash of milk or use a higher fat content meat to ensure juicy, tender meatballs that remain moist during baking.
  • Adjust the Alfredo sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding more cream for a lighter texture.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste of the meatballs and sauce.
  • Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners quick and convenient.

Keep and Reheat Alfredo Meatballs

  • Store leftover Alfredo meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Side Pairings for Alfredo Meatballs

Enhance Alfredo Meatballs with Perfect Pairings:
  • Crisp Chardonnay Match: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, balancing the richness with its smooth, subtle wine profile.
  • Roasted Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the meatballs to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
  • Fresh Arugula Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's heavy cream, adding a zesty, peppery freshness that brightens the entire meal.
  • Roasted Vegetable Side: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to introduce color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor that enhances the meatballs' savory profile.

Alfredo Meatball Variations

  • Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free milk alternative and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alfredo Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor.
  • Lean Protein Remix: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for different protein variations. Adjust cooking time based on meat choice.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Create meatless meatballs using plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or Beyond Meat crumbles. Use similar binding ingredients and seasonings for authentic texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Are these meatballs healthy?

These chicken meatballs offer a leaner protein option compared to beef. They’re packed with protein, lower in fat, and can be part of a balanced diet when served with vegetables.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. The texture and cooking method remain the same, making it an easy protein swap for the recipe.

  • How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. Alternatively, cut a meatball in half to ensure there’s no pink meat and it looks fully cooked through.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. The Italian bread crumbs contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, replace bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Why Alfredo Meatballs Are a Favorite

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these Alfredo meatballs with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden dinner cravings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these creamy chicken meatballs over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making meal planning a breeze for different tastes and preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with cheesy Alfredo goodness and tender chicken meatballs, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that both kids and adults will love.
  • Impressive Yet Simple Cuisine: Create a restaurant-worthy meal at home with straightforward ingredients and easy cooking techniques that make you look like a culinary pro.
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Alfredo Meatballs Recipe

Alfredo Meatballs Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy alfredo meatballs deliver Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with luxurious sauce and tender protein. Cheese-infused beef nestles perfectly in rich parmesan cream, promising delicious satisfaction for your next meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground chicken

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine ground chicken with bread crumbs, milk, egg, seasonings, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl, gently folding ingredients until evenly distributed without overmixing.
  3. Roll the meat mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, ensuring consistent size for even cooking, and arrange them with slight spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Transfer the meatballs to the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tray midway to promote golden browning and verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. While meatballs cook, create the sauce by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the garlic butter, season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and gradually thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat and incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  8. Once meatballs are fully cooked, carefully transfer them into the prepared Alfredo sauce, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture.
  9. Plate the sauced meatballs atop your preferred accompaniment like pasta, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables, finishing with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Prevent Dense Meatballs by handling the mixture gently and avoiding overmixing, which can make them tough and compact.
  • Swap Ground Chicken for turkey or lean beef to accommodate different protein preferences while maintaining similar texture and flavor.
  • Create Gluten-Free Version by replacing Italian bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for sensitive diets.
  • Reduce Fat Content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choosing a lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella for a healthier alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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