If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that manages to feel both luxuriously comforting and delightfully simple, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe. Succulent chicken meatballs are swaddled in a homemade Alfredo sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and undeniably creamy. Every bite boasts the perfect balance of cheesiness, silkiness, and that signature Italian-inspired taste, making it a dish everyone can rally around—whether served over pasta, rice, or a mound of tender vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient does double duty, lending flavor and texture to create the ultimate bite. Here’s a closer look at what makes every element essential to the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe.
- Ground chicken: The foundation of your meatballs, ground chicken is tender and absorbs flavors beautifully for a juicy, mild bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds deep savory notes and a salty, nutty finish to both the meatballs and the Alfredo sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: Give the meatballs structure while keeping them light—try panko for extra fluffiness or gluten-free for a lighter option.
- Egg: The secret binder that keeps your meatballs perfectly cohesive without making them dense.
- Garlic (minced): Doubled up for bold flavor in both the meatballs and the silky sauce.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings out that unmistakable Italian fragrance that makes every bite sing.
- Salt and black pepper: Just the right amount to enhance and balance all the flavors at work.
- Olive oil: For browning—lends a gentle, fruity flavor and the perfect crust on every meatball.
- Butter: Enriches the Alfredo sauce, making it extra luscious.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce; swap for a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Whole milk: Gives the sauce body and a subtle sweetness that balances the cheese.
- Heavy cream: Infuses richness and that dreamy, creamy texture everyone loves in Alfredo.
- Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch imparts a classic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness right at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, two cloves of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands to gently bring everything together—mix just until combined so your meatballs stay tender and juicy. Begin rolling the mixture into 1-inch meatballs; you should end up with about 18 to 20 perfectly sized little spheres.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, gently add the meatballs, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear them on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes until they develop a lovely golden crust. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through just yet—after browning, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. This gives them that great texture while locking in flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t rinse—it’s loaded with flavor!), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the remaining three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic, about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir for another minute, forming a roux that will thicken your sauce gorgeously.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Now, slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go. This ensures your sauce stays smooth and lump-free. Let things gently bubble for 2 to 3 minutes; it will thicken into a velvety base. Sprinkle in the 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese and a touch of nutmeg if you’d like a subtle, warming undertone. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and glossy.
Step 5: Simmer with the Meatballs
Carefully return the browned meatballs and any collected juices to the skillet. Tuck them into the Alfredo sauce so they’re mostly covered. Simmer together for 8 to 10 minutes, letting the meatballs cook through and soak up all that incredible creamy flavor. The sauce will cling beautifully to each bite. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe is piping hot and irresistible, scatter a generous handful of chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables—don’t forget to spoon over plenty of extra sauce. Every bite is pure comfort!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, a flourish of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness to the rich sauce. For more flair, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few cracks of black pepper right before digging in. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of good olive oil or a light dusting of red pepper flakes adds a fun kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
The Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe pairs beautifully with classic spaghetti or fettuccine, but don’t stop there. Try it over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even nestled alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter twist. A bright green salad and a hunk of crusty bread are perfect finishing touches to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve the meatballs and Alfredo sauce in individual bowls over spiralized zucchini noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. They also shine skewered as party appetizers, or tucked into toasted sub rolls and broiled with mozzarella for a decadent meatball sandwich. Let your creativity lead the way—this dish is surprisingly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste just as luxurious when reheated. Be sure to store any pasta or sides separately to keep textures at their best.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe is freezer-friendly! You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them raw (just shape, arrange on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring to a bag), or freeze cooked meatballs with sauce. To freeze with sauce, cool completely, package in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. You can microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid overheating. If reheated too robustly, the sauce may separate—but a little patience brings everything back together beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a slightly richer flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey meatballs might be ready a minute or two sooner, depending on their size.
Is it possible to make the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the breadcrumbs and flour for your favorite gluten-free versions! Almond flour or gluten-free panko both work wonderfully in the meatballs, and many all-purpose gluten-free flours make for a seamless roux in the Alfredo sauce.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
In a pinch, store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds things along and still tastes great. That said, making the sauce from scratch just takes a few minutes and truly elevates every part of the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your Alfredo sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a splash more whole milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Be patient, adding liquid a little at a time, and stir until beautifully smooth.
How do I know the meatballs are cooked through?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, slice into a meatball; it should be cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe is proof that everyday ingredients can transform into something both cozy and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding family or wowing friends, this dish always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort meal!
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these succulent Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs for a comforting and satisfying meal. Tender chicken meatballs are smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
For Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then whisk in flour. Pour in milk and cream, whisk until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer in sauce for 8–10 minutes until cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce enhances the dish’s flavor, but store-bought can be used as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
