These Chicken Alfredo Meatball Subs are a delicious twist on a classic! Juicy chicken meatballs smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce and stuffed in soft bread make for a perfect meal.
Honestly, what’s not to love? You get cheesy goodness and flavor in every bite. I find these subs great for any dinner, or just a cozy night in with a movie!
It’s super easy to whip these up. Just bake the meatballs, mix the sauce, and assemble! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just feeling a little extra hungry. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show! If you want a leaner option, turkey works great too. If you prefer beef or pork, that’s fine, but it’ll change the flavor significantly.
Breadcrumbs: I usually use Italian-style breadcrumbs for additional flavor, but plain breadcrumbs are a good option. You can also crush crackers or use oats for a gluten-free choice.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better flavor than the pre-grated kind. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free swap.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder will suffice. Each clove equals about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo is okay for convenience, but making your own can elevate the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, you can try cashew cream or coconut cream-based sauces.
How Can You Shape Meatballs Without Making a Mess?
Shaping meatballs can get a bit sticky! Here are some tips to help you out:
- Keep your hands damp. Wet hands prevent the mix from sticking!
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture. This keeps them uniform for even cooking.
- Gently roll them between your palms without squeezing too hard, just enough to hold them together.
Remember, the goal is to form a nice, round shape while keeping them light and fluffy. Overworking the meat can make them tough, so handle them gently!
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 35-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing and forming the meatballs, then baking them and assembling the subs. It’s a straightforward process that’s totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Meatball Mixture:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s all nicely combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier!
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce and Rolls:
While the meatballs are baking, warm the Alfredo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s nice and hot. Once the meatballs are ready, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hoagie rolls in half and arrange them in a baking dish.
5. Assemble the Subs:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place 3-4 meatballs in each hoagie roll. Spoon a generous amount of the warm Alfredo sauce over the meatballs, and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake and Garnish:
Pop the assembled subs into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once they’re done, take them out and sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a nice touch before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Meatball Subs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a perfect substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if the turkey is packed differently, as it can sometimes cook faster.
Can I Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce Instead of Using Store-Bought?
Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce can be a fantastic choice! To make it, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. This sauce pairs wonderfully with your meatball subs!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Alfredo Meatball Subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep the bread nice and toasty!
Can I Freeze the Meatballs for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after baking! If freezing raw, shape the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
