Description
This one-dish Italian Meatball Pasta Bake combines uncooked pasta, pre-cooked meatballs, and cheese in marinara sauce for a hassle-free weeknight dinner with only 5 minutes of prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (24 or 25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese; fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and meatballs. Make sure meatballs are completely thawed if frozen.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to taste and stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and water.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam for proper pasta cooking.
- Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam) and stir the contents. Check if the pasta is al dente.
- If the pasta needs more time, re-cover and return to the oven for a few more minutes. If it’s al dente, proceed to the next step.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs before serving.
Notes
- Always use fully cooked meatballs for this recipe – the baking time isn’t sufficient to safely cook raw meat.
- Different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to cooking time – thicker pasta may need a few extra minutes.
- The sauce will appear watery at first but will thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid and releases starches.
- For best results, use a glass or ceramic baking dish rather than metal, which can heat unevenly and cause burning.
- Use room temperature water instead of cold to help the pasta start cooking faster and more evenly.
- For a more golden, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes (watching carefully).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: dump and bake casserole, easy pasta bake, weeknight dinner recipe, cheesy meatball pasta, one-dish meal, family-friendly dinner, Italian casserole