Million Dollar Meatballs


Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish

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Notes After Making

Add

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Ingredients

Chicken Meatballs

  • 4 green onions, finely chopped, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup finely crushed buttery crackers
  • ½ cup half-and-half, divided
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Shortcut Option

  • 24 pre-cooked frozen meatballs (about 1½–2 pounds), instead of homemade meatballs

Alfredo Sauce

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (470ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (90g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing the Sauce

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Reserved 2 tablespoons green onions, for garnish
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Chicken Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the green onions for garnish. Add the remaining green onions to a medium bowl with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, crushed crackers, ¼ cup half-and-half, egg, and garlic.
  3. Add ground chicken, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  4. Stir in mozzarella cheese.
  5. With damp hands, roll the mixture into 24 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking in the sauce.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

  1. While the meatballs bake, cook bacon in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat until crisp.
  2. Remove excess bacon grease if desired, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper until smooth.
  7. Add bacon and baked meatballs to the sauce.
  8. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and reach 165°F.
  9. Stir in remaining Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  10. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream. Do not allow the sauce to boil.
  11. If needed, loosen the sauce with a splash of water, milk, or pasta water.
  12. Serve over pasta and garnish with reserved green onions, additional Parmesan, and crushed red pepper if desired.

Using Pre-Cooked Frozen Meatballs

  1. Skip the homemade meatball steps.
  2. Add frozen cooked meatballs directly to the prepared Alfredo sauce.
  3. Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Continue with the finishing steps by adding Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, and sour cream.

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Jessica’s Notes

Best served with:

  • Fettuccine, linguine, or penne
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

Wine pairing:

  • Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy Alfredo sauce and Parmesan flavors.
  • Pinot Grigio adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
  • Viognier complements the garlic, herbs, and creamy texture.

Prep Ahead:

  • Homemade meatballs can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before adding meatballs.

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer-friendly:

  • Freeze cooked homemade meatballs for up to 3 months.

Variations:

  • Substitute ground turkey for the chicken.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
  • Use smoked bacon for extra flavor.
  • Add Italian seasoning or fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.

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