Name: Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizer Nests Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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Introduction

Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizers bring the joy of classic Italian comfort food into bite-sized treats perfect for parties or snack time. These pasta nests topped with savory meatballs and sauce are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

A small nest of golden yellow spaghetti forms the first layer at the bottom, tightly wound into a circular shape. On top of the pasta rests a round, textured brown meatball coated in a rich red tomato sauce. The meatball is sprinkled with fine white grated cheese, adding a light contrast. A small green basil leaf is placed vertically on top, attached to a thin wooden skewer piercing through all layers. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a mini cupcake pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Place one meatball on top of each cooled pasta nest. Stick a toothpick into each meatball to secure it in place.
Step 9: Drizzle a little extra pasta sauce over each meatball and top with a fresh basil leaf for garnish. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil or oregano in the pasta mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Try substituting mini turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on the nests before baking.
If you don’t have a mini cupcake pan, regular muffin tins can work but may yield larger appetizers.

Storage

Store leftover mini spaghetti and meatball appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave on low power until warmed through to keep the pasta nests firm.

How to Serve

The image shows small spaghetti nests shaped into tight, round bundles with a light orange color and a smooth texture, arranged on a wooden board. On top of each spaghetti nest is a rich, dark red meatball covered in tomato sauce, adding a glossy and chunky texture. Each meatball is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and finished with two small green basil leaves, held together by a small wooden toothpick standing upright in the center. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the layers and colors of the spaghetti, meatball, sauce, cheese, and basil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta nests a few hours ahead and bake them just before serving. Meatballs and sauce can be heated as guests arrive.

Can I freeze the mini spaghetti and meatball appetizers?

They freeze well before baking. Arrange the formed pasta nests on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.