There is nothing quite as comforting and luxurious as a dish that pairs tender, flavorful chicken meatballs with a rich, velvety sauce. This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe takes the classic Alfredo to a whole new level by incorporating juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures, from the herb-kissed meatballs to the indulgent creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish, and the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe is a winner every time.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean and tender base that makes the meatballs light yet flavorful.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and moisture retention for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses salty, nutty richness inside the meatballs and the sauce.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent, keeping everything together beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth both in the meatballs and Alfredo sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A priceless blend of herbs that brings a wonderful Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For frying, adding a touch of richness and crispness to the meatballs.
- 2 tbsp butter: The base for your creamy, silky Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of that luscious Alfredo sauce, making it decadently creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melted into the sauce for that signature cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and balances the sauce’s richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining all of your meatball ingredients in a large bowl—ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to get an even distribution of flavors without overworking the meat, which helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Working with smaller sized meatballs means they cook quickly and evenly, soaking up the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry your meatballs in batches, ensuring they have enough space so they brown nicely. Turn them every few minutes until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes—this step unlocks incredible depth and aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic to keep the sauce sweet and garlicky.
Step 5: Build the Sauce Base
Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens just a bit, creating the velvety texture that defines Alfredo sauce.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, resulting in a luxuriously cheesy, silky sauce. Taste and then season with salt and pepper as needed—this is where you fine-tune your flavor balance perfectly.
Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently coating each with the Alfredo sauce. Let them simmer together for another 3 to 4 minutes so the meatballs absorb the creamy goodness and the sauce thickens slightly around them.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a punch of freshness and a pop of vibrant color right before serving. Whether atop pasta or enjoyed on their own, these creamy chicken meatballs are ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not just color but a subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. You can also add a bit of extra grated Parmesan on top for that final cheesy flourish. For a little zing, a light dusting of red pepper flakes pairs beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This dish is a versatile star that goes well with many sides. Serve with al dente fettuccine or your favorite pasta to soak up every bit of the sauce. A simple garlic bread on the side brings a crunchy contrast, or pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning these meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can also turn them into sliders by placing meatballs on toasted buns with a spoonful of Alfredo sauce for a fun appetizer or party snack that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with some sauce. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain the creamy texture without overheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will offer a similar mild flavor and texture, making it an excellent substitute if you prefer it or have it on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatballs just as tender and flavorful without any gluten concerns.
How spicy is this recipe?
By default, this recipe is mild and creamy, perfect for all palates. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
You can absolutely make the meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to thaw completely if frozen, and cook them as directed for best results.
What pasta pairs best with these meatballs?
Classic fettuccine or linguine is fantastic for this dish as they hold onto the Alfredo sauce well. But wide egg noodles, penne, or even spaghetti are great choices depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food done right, blending simple ingredients into a dish that feels both indulgent and cozy. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, it’s an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for hearty, creamy satisfaction!
Print
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs recipe features tender ground chicken meatballs cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect as a hearty dinner when served over pasta or enjoyed on their own with a side of garlic bread, these flavorful meatballs combine Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the Alfredo sauce. Let them simmer together for another 3-4 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish as a garnish. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, alongside garlic bread, or enjoy on their own for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer baking the meatballs instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying meatballs to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
