Description
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatball Pasta is a bold and flavorful twist on classic comfort food, combining juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce. This easy, family-friendly dinner comes together quickly with pantry staples and is perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen and thawed)
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add meatballs to sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering barbecue sauce. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce and meatballs: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients and coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Add cheese and melt (optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use turkey or beef meatballs, or substitute with plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
- For an extra cheesy finish, bake the assembled dish at 375°F for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- This dish works well for meal prep and reheats nicely for leftovers.
