There’s something about meatballs that just screams comfort food. Whether they’re served over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies, they always bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction. But when you take juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs and coat them in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce? Now we’re talking next-level indulgence.
This Alfredo Meatballs recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or even a meal-prep staple for busy nights. The creamy Parmesan-infused sauce pairs beautifully with tender, baked chicken meatballs, creating a dish that’s both simple and irresistible. Best of all? It comes together in about 30 minutes!
Let’s dive right in and make these heavenly Alfredo meatballs from scratch.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
✔ Easy to Make: Baked meatballs are a hands-free way to get perfectly cooked results every time.
✔ Rich & Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is made from scratch, giving you that luxurious, velvety texture you can’t get from a jar.
✔ Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or low-carb veggies like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers and enjoy them throughout the week!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
STEP 2: MAKE THE MEATBALL MIXTURE
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
The key here is not to overmix—the more you work the mixture, the tougher your meatballs can become. You want them to be tender and juicy!
STEP 3: SHAPE AND BAKE
Once the mixture is ready, roll it into small 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced evenly so they cook properly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when they look slightly crispy on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, let’s move on to the star of the dish—the Alfredo sauce!
STEP 4: MAKE THE ALFREDO SAUCE
Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Melt ¼ cup of butter, then add 3 tablespoons of minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—this is what gives the sauce that signature depth of flavor.
Next, pour in 3 cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
STEP 5: FINISH THE SAUCE
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and whisk in ⅔ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a silky, rich consistency.
Now, all that’s left is to bring everything together!
CREAMY ALFREDO MEATBALLS: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Now that we have perfectly baked meatballs and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, it’s time to combine everything for the ultimate comforting dish. This part is where the magic happens—the sauce clings to the meatballs, infusing them with creamy, garlicky goodness.
Let’s finish off this incredible meal and go over some pro tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time.
STEP 6: COAT THE MEATBALLS IN ALFREDO SAUCE
Once your Alfredo sauce is ready, carefully add the baked chicken meatballs directly into the skillet. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss them until they’re fully coated in the sauce.
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the meatballs soak up that creamy, cheesy goodness.
At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the most irresistible aroma of garlic, butter, and Parmesan—it’s pure heaven!
STEP 7: SERVE AND ENJOY
Now comes the best part—serving up your Alfredo Meatballs in the most delicious way possible. Here are a few serving ideas to match your cravings:
✔ Over Pasta: The classic choice! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work beautifully.
✔ With Rice: A great option if you prefer something heartier and more filling.
✔ On Roasted Veggies: For a low-carb alternative, serve the meatballs over roasted zucchini, cauliflower, or spaghetti squash.
✔ With Garlic Bread: The ultimate indulgence—dip a slice into the Alfredo sauce for an extra treat.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and a restaurant-quality finish.
PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST ALFREDO MEATBALLS
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating your own Parmesan ensures a silky sauce.
✔ Don’t Overbake the Meatballs – Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out. Ground chicken is lean, so it’s easy to overcook.
✔ Simmer the Sauce Gently – High heat can cause the Alfredo sauce to separate. Keep it on low when adding cheese and meatballs.
✔ Adjust Thickness if Needed – If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk or broth to loosen it up. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
✔ Make it Spicy – For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
✔ Bacon Alfredo Meatballs: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
✔ Mushroom Alfredo Meatballs: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the sauce for a deeper, earthy taste.
✔ Spinach Alfredo Meatballs: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients.
✔ Cajun Alfredo Meatballs: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky twist.
STORING AND REHEATING LEFTOVERS
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good), here’s how to store and reheat them:
✔ Refrigerate: Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
✔ Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
ALFREDO MEATBALLS: FAQ & FINAL THOUGHTS
By now, you’re probably ready to dig into these creamy, flavorful Alfredo Meatballs. But before you do, let’s go over some of the most commonly asked questions about this dish. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or troubleshooting, I’ve got you covered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. CAN I USE GROUND TURKEY OR BEEF INSTEAD OF CHICKEN?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will yield similar results. If you prefer beef, keep in mind that it has a stronger flavor and may create a richer dish. Just adjust the seasonings accordingly to balance the flavors.
2. HOW DO I KEEP CHICKEN MEATBALLS FROM BEING DRY?
Since ground chicken is lean, the key to moist meatballs is not overmixing the ingredients and not overbaking them. Adding milk and Parmesan also helps keep them tender. If you prefer even juicier meatballs, you can mix in a tablespoon of olive oil into the meat mixture.
3. CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The Alfredo sauce can also be made ahead and reheated on low heat when ready to serve.
4. HOW CAN I MAKE A LIGHTER VERSION OF THIS DISH?
To lighten things up, you can:
- Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream (though the sauce won’t be as thick).
- Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or a mixture of lean beef and turkey.
- Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
5. WHAT CAN I DO IF MY ALFREDO SAUCE IS TOO THICK OR TOO THIN?
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk, chicken broth, or even a bit of pasta water to thin it out.
If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reduces and thickens naturally. You can also add a little extra Parmesan to help it thicken up.
6. CAN I MAKE THIS DISH SPICY?
Yes! If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy twist.
7. CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT ALFREDO SAUCE?
While homemade Alfredo sauce tastes fresher and richer, you can absolutely use store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time. Just heat it up, add a little extra Parmesan for flavor, and toss in your meatballs.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE THESE ALFREDO MEATBALLS
This Alfredo Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, a meal-prep option, or even a fancy date-night meal. With tender, garlicky chicken meatballs coated in a homemade Parmesan Alfredo sauce, every bite is pure satisfaction.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love this creamy dish.
✔ Customizable: Swap proteins, add veggies, or spice it up to suit your taste.
✔ Great for Leftovers: Stays delicious even when reheated.
Alfredo Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
These tender, flavorful chicken meatballs are coated in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Perfect over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until evenly combined.
3️⃣ Shape and bake: Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 1-inch in size) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
4️⃣ Prepare the Alfredo sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5️⃣ Add the cream and seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
6️⃣ Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7️⃣ Combine: Add the baked meatballs to the Alfredo sauce, tossing them gently to coat.
8️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Serve the Alfredo meatballs over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or even beef.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
