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Delicious Alfredo meatballs served over fettuccine pasta with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and toasted garlic bread.

The Ultimate Guide to Alfredo Meatballs: Recipe, Tips, and Variations


  • Author: Nova
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (if pan-frying)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: Pinch of nutmeg for extra depth

Instructions

1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Mix Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form Meatballs:
    Roll the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield 16–20 meatballs, depending on size.

2: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Baking

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  3. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the sheet.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).

Option 2: Pan-Frying

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Melt Butter:
    In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Garlic:
    Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Simmer Cream:
    Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring it to a gentle simmer (do not let it boil), stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Cheese:
    Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  5. Season:
    Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional) to taste. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

4: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

  1. Place the cooked meatballs into the Alfredo sauce.
  2. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5: Serve and Garnish

  1. If serving with pasta, place the cooked pasta on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon the Alfredo meatballs and sauce over the top.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (with pasta and sauce)
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg