Description
A comforting one-dish meal featuring tender pasta, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, and 2 cups water. Stir to combine.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil, stir the mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use chickpea or lentil pasta and part-skim mozzarella. Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg