Chicken Alfredo with meatballs is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, often served over fettuccine pasta. By incorporating chicken meatballs, this recipe adds a hearty protein component that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal that combines the familiar flavors of Alfredo with the satisfying texture of meatballs. It's a great choice for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with a homemade Italian-inspired meal.

This Chicken Alfredo with meatballs pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which helps to balance the richness of the dish. You might also consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce. For a touch of freshness, a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus can add a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Servings: 4

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add butter and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and thickened.

Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently mixing them into the pasta and sauce.

Serve the Chicken Alfredo with meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different herbs in the meatballs, such as fresh basil or oregano, to add a unique flavor twist.

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