Meatball Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta dish featuring meatballs, marinara sauce, and bubbly mozzarella cheese, perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti, penne, or rigatoni pasta Choose your preferred pasta shape.
- 24 oz marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 1 lb frozen, pre-cooked Italian meatballs Homemade meatballs can also be used.
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese Can be fresh or shredded.
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook your choice of pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer.
Adding the Meatballs
- Add frozen meatballs to the simmering sauce, stirring to coat. Let simmer for about five minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the meatballs and sauce with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
Transferring to Baking Dish
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Topping and Baking
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Serving
- Let cool briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Notes
This recipe is flexible; customize it by adding vegetables or different cheeses. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.