Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta is a delightful dish that combines juicy meatballs, pasta, and a tasty BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that comes together quickly and easily.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for those who might not have a lot of time to cook. Second, the combination of flavors—from the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to the savory meatballs—is sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Finally, this dish is also customizable; you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your preferences.

How to Make Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 12 oz pasta
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth.
7. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet, then pour the BBQ-honey sauce over them.
9. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until evenly coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
11. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and meatballs. Cover and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!

How to Serve Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta

This dish is best served hot and fresh. You can add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavors.

How to Store Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta

• For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture sit for a bit before rolling it into balls.
• Feel free to use other types of ground meat if you prefer, like turkey or beef.
• You can customize the pasta type; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too.

Variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the pasta for extra nutrition. Also, try using different BBQ sauces to change up the flavor!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just cook them according to the package instructions and toss them in the BBQ sauce.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well and makes for great leftovers, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you like things hot!

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatball Pasta is both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy your cooking!