Bowtie Pasta Meatball Skewers (Print)
Hearty appetizer skewers combining pasta, meatballs, and fresh vegetables for an impressive party presentation.
# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 16 cocktail-sized beef or turkey meatballs, cooked
→ Pasta
02 - 1 cup dry bowtie (farfalle) pasta
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
05 - 16 grape tomatoes
→ Glaze
06 - 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or marinara sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ Garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
# How to Make:
01 - Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
02 - If using frozen or precooked meatballs, heat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
03 - In a small saucepan, warm the barbecue or marinara sauce with honey and Italian seasoning over low heat. Add the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
04 - Thread onto each skewer: 1 piece of red bell pepper, 1 bowtie pasta, 1 meatball, 1 grape tomato, 1 piece of yellow bell pepper, and another bowtie pasta. Repeat to use all ingredients.
05 - Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired. Sprinkle with chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and fresh vegetables creates perfect bite-sized portions that guests can grab easily
- These skewers look impressive but come together in under an hour, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining
02 -
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning or scorching during assembly
- The pasta must be completely cooled before threading or it will tear apart and make frustrating work of skewering
03 -
- If your skewers feel unstable, double-thread the meatballs by passing the stick through twice for extra security
- Room temperature skewers actually taste better than piping hot since the flavors have a chance to shine through