Description
Saucy bbq meatball pasta delivers comfort in every forkful, blending hearty Italian-American flavors with smoky southwestern charm. Rich meaty bites nestled in creamy noodles promise a satisfying meal that sparks joy at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking together BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large skillet. Allow mixture to gently simmer at medium heat for 2-3 minutes, developing rich depth.
- Introduce frozen meatballs directly into the simmering sauce. Cover skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even heating and complete sauce coating.
- Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, thoroughly tossing to distribute meatballs and sauce evenly. Ensure each pasta strand is generously coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta and meatballs, allowing it to melt naturally and create a creamy texture. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness by balancing honey and sauce ratio for personalized flavor profile.
- Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and freshness.
- Use gluten-free pasta and check BBQ sauce ingredients to make recipe celiac and gluten-sensitive friendly.
- For lighter version, choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sugar BBQ sauce to decrease overall calorie content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg