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
- 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. - 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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the sheet.
- 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
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt Butter:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. - Sauté Garlic:
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Simmer Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring it to a gentle simmer (do not let it boil), stirring occasionally. - Add Cheese:
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. - 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
- Place the cooked meatballs into the Alfredo sauce.
- Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5: Serve and Garnish
- If serving with pasta, place the cooked pasta on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon the Alfredo meatballs and sauce over the top.
- 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