Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers is a fun, savory dish that combines two classic comfort foods in a playful and delicious way. The dish features tender, bite-sized meatballs paired with bowtie pasta on skewers, offering a perfect blend of juicy meatballs and al dente pasta, all drizzled with a flavorful sauce. These skewers are ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a creative way to enjoy a meal. The meatballs can be made with beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, and they can be served with marinara, pesto, or any sauce of your choice for a customizable dish.
Ingredients (for 4-6 servings):
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef, pork, or a mix of both (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for moistness)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- For the pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- For the sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce, pesto, or your choice of dipping sauce
- Optional: extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add the milk to moisten the mixture. Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you should get about 20-25 meatballs).
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle for the skewers.
- Assemble the skewers:
- Thread the cooked meatballs and pasta onto skewers, alternating between the two. Start with a meatball, then add a few pieces of pasta, followed by another meatball, and repeat until the skewer is full. Depending on the size of your skewers, you can typically fit 2-3 meatballs and 3-4 pasta pieces per skewer.
- Serve with sauce:
- Arrange the skewers on a platter or individual serving plates.
- Warm up the marinara sauce (or your sauce of choice) in a small pot. Serve the sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzle it over the skewers.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a fun, bite-sized appetizer or main course.
Tips:
- Meatball variations: Feel free to experiment with different ground meats like turkey, chicken, or even sausage for different flavors. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta prep: To keep the pasta from getting soggy on the skewers, let it cool slightly after draining. You can also use other small pasta shapes, like penne or rotini, if you prefer.
- Sauce options: While marinara is a classic choice, you can also serve these skewers with other dipping sauces like garlic butter, pesto, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Grill option: If you want to take it outdoors, you can grill the skewers for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly on the grill or finish them in the oven.
Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers are a fun, interactive way to enjoy pasta and meatballs. With their bite-sized portions and customizable sauces, they make for a great party appetizer, game day snack, or even a creative family dinner.
