Description
Sizzling Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatball Pasta combines classic comfort with bold flavors for a hearty meal. Juicy meatballs smothered in smoky barbecue sauce nestle perfectly among tender pasta strands, promising a delicious dinner you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) frozen meatballs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, ketchup, golden honey, rich chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, aromatic garlic powder, and zesty onion powder in a spacious skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for 2-3 minutes, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Gently introduce frozen meatballs into the simmering sauce, creating a harmonious blend. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs warm through, stirring intermittently to ensure even heating.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the luscious sauce and ensuring the meatballs are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, indulgent layer.
- Finish the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, crisp garnish that provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the cheese is perfectly melted, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize meatballs by using homemade or store-bought varieties like beef, turkey, or plant-based options to suit different dietary preferences and taste.
- Adjust sauce sweetness by balancing BBQ sauce and honey amounts, creating a perfect tangy-sweet profile that complements your taste buds.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier version without compromising flavor intensity.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach directly into the pasta for increased nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg