Southern Barbecue Spaghetti

Savor the bold flavors of the South with this irresistible Southern Barbecue Spaghetti! This fusion dish combines tender pulled pork or shredded chicken with a robust barbecue-tomato sauce infused with smoky paprika, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti, the dish is elevated by sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic, creating a symphony of hearty, smoky, and tangy goodness. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe is a delicious twist on classic comfort food that will wow your family and friends alike. Perfect for lovers of Southern cuisine and unique pasta dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 2 cups pulled pork or shredded chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Fold in the pulled pork or shredded chicken, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1893.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2814.6

Total Fat 121.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 333.3mg	0%
Sodium 7161.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 292.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 114.3g
Protein 130.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 368.6mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3609.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.2%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 42.1%