Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizers
These mini spaghetti nests topped with meatballs are a showstopper at any party. They look fancy but are incredibly easy to make with pasta, frozen meatballs, and jarred sauce—talk about a win-win.
Equipment
- Mini cupcake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or shot glass
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 4 ounces angel hair pasta broken in half
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 small jar about 15 ounces prepared pasta sauce
- 20- ounce bag frozen mini Italian meatballs about 40 meatballs, thawed
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a mini cupcake pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix the Pasta Nests: Add the beaten egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooled pasta. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined and sticky.
- Form the Nests: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pasta mixture into each cupcake hole. Press down with your fingers to form a nest shape. Use a shot glass or the back of a wooden spoon handle to create an indent in the center.
- Bake the Nests: Place the mini cupcake pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta nests are firm and lightly browned on the bottom.
- Heat Meatballs and Sauce: While the nests are baking, heat the pasta sauce and thawed meatballs in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer until fully warmed through.
- Cool the Nests: Once the pasta nests are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes to set and firm up.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Place one meatball on top of each cooled pasta nest. Stick a toothpick into each meatball to secure it in place.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little extra pasta sauce over each meatball and top with a fresh basil leaf for garnish. Serve warm or at room temperature.