Description
This No-Boil Baked Penne with Meatballs is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole that combines whole wheat penne pasta with fire roasted tomatoes, flavorful herbs, and your choice of cooked protein such as meatballs or shredded chicken. The dish is baked covered to ensure tender pasta and a bubbling sauce, then finished under the broiler with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (half of the box)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1-2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (recommended 2 teaspoons)
Protein and Toppings
- Meatballs, cooked shredded chicken, or other protein of choice (quantity as desired)
- A few handfuls of fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is fully heated for baking the penne dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the whole wheat penne, crushed fire roasted tomatoes, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and your choice of cooked protein such as meatballs or shredded chicken.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil, preferably a double layer to lock in moisture and heat evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Broil with Toppings: Carefully remove the foil—beware of steam—and stir the mixture. Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach on top and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Place the dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked penne rest for a few minutes after broiling to allow the sauce to thicken properly. Serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
- You can substitute meatballs with shredded chicken or your favorite cooked protein.
- Be careful when removing foil from the hot dish to avoid steam burns.
- Fresh spinach added after baking keeps it vibrant and adds a nutritious boost.
- Browning the cheese under the broiler adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
