Ingredients
The Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground meat (turkey, chicken, or beef)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Olive oil (for coating hands)
The Alfredo Sauce and Pasta
- 1 lb. pasta (any preferred type)
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the egg, Parmesan cheese, milk, Italian bread crumbs, and garlic powder until you achieve a thick consistency. Stir in the ground meat thoroughly until evenly mixed.
- Form the Meatballs: Lightly coat your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking. Shape the meat mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, using a large cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop for uniformity, if desired.
- Cook the Meatballs (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Meatballs (Oven Method): Alternatively, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and sizzling. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Everything: Gently stir the cooked pasta and meatballs into the Alfredo sauce, coating them evenly. Warm through for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef based on your preference for the meatballs.
- Coating your hands with olive oil helps prevent the meatball mixture from sticking while shaping.
- Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce thickness without watering down flavor.
- For even cooking and browning, flip the meatballs halfway through air frying.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides superior flavor.
- Serving suggestion: garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
