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Flavorful Grilled Pasta Recipe with Sweet Maple Glaze

grilled pasta with sweet maple glaze - featured image

A smoky, sticky grilled pasta dish coated in a sweet maple glaze that balances charred texture with savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for a quick, impressive meal with pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rigatoni and cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the maple glaze. Toss gently until pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the pasta to a grill-safe cast iron skillet or grill basket. Place on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to get even char marks and caramelization. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  6. In the last 2 minutes of grilling, drizzle the remaining glaze over the pasta, toss again, and let it caramelize slightly.
  7. Remove the skillet or basket from the grill. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Season with extra black pepper if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and sticky, optionally alongside a crisp salad.

Notes

Use a grill basket or cast iron skillet to prevent pasta from falling through the grates. Stir pasta every few minutes to avoid burning the glaze. If glaze thickens too fast, lower heat or move skillet to a cooler part of the grill. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and tamari for soy sauce. Adding grilled vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp can enhance the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pasta, maple glaze, smoky pasta, easy pasta recipe, outdoor cooking, sweet and savory pasta, quick dinner