Add deliciousness and charm to your soiree with these Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers. Savory, saucy meatballs, al dente pasta and sweet, fresh basil make these appetizers an instant hit.
Party Fancy Meets Everyday Easy
Confession time! I love serving party food that looks amazing but is deceptively easy to make. Zero fuss, maximum appeal. And these Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers certainly fit the bill. They look all dressed up in their bowtie best, but they require very little prep and just a few minutes to assemble.
I am completely obsessed! They’re perfect for cocktail hour or pre-dinner appetizers. Everyone will love how yummy and charming they are! So cute!
So Easy to Make
Pre-made meatballs make these cuties super quick and easy to make. The sauce is so simple and incredibly savory you won’t believe it’s only two ingredients. And is there anything more straightforward than pasta? Nope. Easy peasy. I can’t wait to share them with you!
Watch me Make Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers
Join me in the kitchen to make these adorable and delicious Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers.
My Favorite Cocktail Recipes
My Favorite Cocktail Recipes put the happy in happy hour! From a classic house margarita to inventive takes on old favorites, you’re sure to find something to toast to!
What Do I Need to Make Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers?
(see recipe card for details and measurements)
- Frozen meatballs
- Ketchup
- Grape jelly
- Bowtie pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Toothpicks or wooden food skewers
How to Make Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers
- Heat frozen meatballs according to package directions.
- While the meatballs are heating, combine the ketchup and grape jelly in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir well and allow to come to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the heated meatballs. Let meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to coat them well.
- Cook pasta to al dente, drain, rinse with cold water and let dry. Then toss with olive oil.
- Place one bowtie pasta, one leaf of basil and one meatball onto each toothpick or skewer.
- Place upright on a serving tray. Tada! Aren’t they so handsome?
Want More Amazing Appetizers?
Got guests coming over? Why not try some of my crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Pimento Cheese Dip: It’s easy to make and so savory and tangy, it’s sure to impress!
- Grilled Brie with Strawberries: Combines creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and tangy balsamic vinegar in a delicious appetizer perfect for entertaining.
- Meatball Stuffed Pasta Shells. So tasty and popular! You can’t go wrong with these meatball stuffed shells.
I hope you get your fancy on with these Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers! If you make it and post a pic to social, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see! I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share.
xoxo,
Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 Skewers
Description
Add deliciousness and charm to your soiree with these Bowtie Pasta and Cocktail Meatball Skewers. Savory, saucy meatballs, al dente pasta and sweet, fresh basil make these appetizers an instant hit.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen meatballs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 20 al dente cooked bowtie pasta
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 20 leaves of fresh basil
- 20 toothpicks or wooden food skewers
Instructions
- Heat frozen meatballs according to package directions.
- While the meatballs are heating, combine the ketchup and grape jelly in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir well and allow to come to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the heated meatballs. Let meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to coat them well.
- Cook pasta to al dente, drain, rinse with cold water and let dry. Toss with olive oil.
- To serve, place one bowtie pasta, one leaf of basil and one meatball onto each toothpick or skewer.
The recipe doesn’t say how much ketsup and grape jelly you mix. Can you tell me please.
Hi Donna! All amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Such an easy and delicious recipe for a crowd. I made it yesterday for our pool party and it was a hit. Thank you so much for sharing this. 😍
Hi, Devina! Yay! I’m so happy to hear that everyone at your party enjoyed them!
Beautiful presentation
Hi, Vicky! Thank you!
Howdy! Can you share which frozen meatballs you’ve found to be tasty?
Hi Michelle! We love Cooked Perfect’s frozen meatballs: https://www.cookedperfect.com/meatballs/ Hope this helps!
Are these supposed to be served hot or cold?
Hi, Gwen! These are great warm or at room temp!
I just made these for a party we were attending and they were absolutely delicious 😋 I will definitely be making them again!!!
Hi, Michelle! I’m so glad y’all enjoyed them so much!
I am having a problem getting your described fork style skewer into the Bow Tie pasta without the pasta breaking. The bottom of the skewer is wider than the “neck” of the skewer and therefore the pasta is breaking. P.S. the pasta is cooked Al-dente. Perhaps you can offer some advice….thank you!
Hi Maria! I’m not sure what could be going wrong as this never happens to me. Are you using large bowtie pasta? Did you toss the pasta in olive oil. Are you using these 3.5 inch bamboo forks: https://amzn.to/43LV9Xv? You could use just a toothpick if the forks are too big to successfully add the pasta to. Otherwise, if you’re cooking the pasta al dente and tossing it in olive oil, it should go on the bamboo fork smoothly. I hope this helps and that you get to try them again soon!
Do you eat these cold?
Hi, Tami. I serve them warm or at room temperature!
Is there a way I could make these gluten free? I know I could find gluten free meatballs, and is there a gluten-free bow tie pasta? And what could I use for the sauce?
Hi Diane! I haven’t tried to make these gluten free, so I couldn’t say. My experience with gluten free pasta is that is a very different texture so I am not sure how it would hold up.
Can I prep the meatballs and sauce the day before, then reheat the morning of and assemble then?
Hi Carol! Absolutely! The cocktail meatballs with sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
do you serve these hot or cold?
Hi Patty! They’re usually room temperature when I serve them. Sometimes they’re still a little warm if I serve immediately after prepping them, but they’re great enjoyed at room temp and even cold. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Oh My! I know I am way behind, but I just found your site. I have to tell you, the very 1st thing I thought of when I saw this, was how perfect for a BABY SHOWER/GENDER REVEAL. The theme “Bow Ties” or “Hair Bows” will not leave my head. These are sooo cute! Thanks a bunch.
Made these for our daughte’s engagement cocktail party and they were absolutely delicious and oh-so-festive. So easy and so good. Thanks for the
Any particular brand of grape jelly?
Can’t wait to try!
Hi Sandy! I usually use Welch’s, but you could certainly use your favorite brand. Enjoy!
are you serving these meatball appys warm
Hi Kathleen! No, they’re served at room temp. By the time you prep them with the fresh basil, the pasta and meatballs are room temp. They’re delicious and perfect for serving at a party. Hope this helps! Enjoy!
If making these ahead, how did you keep the basil from turning black?
Hi Anne! If they’re made a few hours in advance, you can store them in the refrigerator and the basil should stay green. I wouldn’t recommend making them more than a few hours in advance. Enjoy!
What size skewer did you use?
Hi Lori! I use these 3.5 inch appetizer forks: https://amzn.to/3N8jOg7. Enjoy!
What brand of meatballs would you recommend?
Hi Lisa! We really like the Cooked Perfect Homestyle Meatballs. Hope this helps. Enjoy!