Tender, golden-seared chicken meatballs served over a bed of spaghetti and coated in a rich, garlicky spinach Alfredo sauce—this comforting and creamy dish is perfect for cozy dinners or indulgent weekend meals. With its satisfying texture and bold flavor, it’s a recipe that blends classic Italian-inspired comfort with a fresh, modern twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the best of both worlds: juicy homemade chicken meatballs and a decadent Alfredo sauce enriched with fresh spinach. The meatballs are full of flavor from Parmesan and herbs, while the sauce brings creaminess and depth thanks to garlic, cream, and cheese. It’s a complete meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing—ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the spinach Alfredo sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste

For serving:

8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice, cooked al dente
Extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper for garnish

directions

In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated. Shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce or serve with the sauce and meatballs spooned over the top.
Garnish with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Use turkey: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Pasta choice: Use fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle based on preference.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly heated. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until fully cooked, then finish in the sauce.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, cooked or uncooked meatballs can be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

What type of Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best and gives the richest flavor.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta type such as penne, linguine, or even egg noodles will work well.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), or they should no longer be pink in the center.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches for best results.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Pasta is a delightful, comforting meal that brings together tender protein, rich sauce, and hearty pasta in one dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. With flexible ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it offers gourmet flavor without the fuss.