Bowtie Pasta & Meatball Skewers
Bowtie Pasta & Meatball Skewers combine tender, al dente bowtie pasta with juicy mini meatballs threaded on skewers, served with warm marinara sauce and fresh basil for a fun, handheld meal perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. This quick, versatile, and crowd-pleasing appetizer balances savory flavors and pleasing textures while using simple pantry staples.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers (serves approx. 4-6 people) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Sautéing and Assembling (sometimes Baking or Grilling as optional finishing methods)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta alternatives)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Bowtie Pasta (farfalle)
- 20 Mini Meatballs
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- 10–15 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 10–15 Mozzarella Balls (optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Wooden Skewers
- Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meatballs: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mini meatballs and sauté for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Skewers: Take wooden skewers and thread one cooked meatball followed by a folded bowtie pasta piece. Repeat to fill the skewer with 3-4 sets. Optionally, add a mozzarella ball or basil leaf between items to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Warm the Marinara Sauce: Heat marinara sauce gently in a small saucepan until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Use as a dipping or drizzling sauce for serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the skewers on a plate. Drizzle with warm marinara sauce, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for shine and added flavor.
Notes
- Use mini meatballs for easy skewering and even cooking.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness on skewers.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Toss pasta with garlic-infused olive oil before assembling to add extra flavor depth.
- Serve skewers fresh but gently reheat if needed to keep texture intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bowtie pasta, meatball skewers, Italian appetizer, party food, easy recipes, finger food, skewers, quick meal