Description
This No-Boil Baked Penne with Meatballs is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American casserole featuring whole wheat penne pasta baked directly in a flavorful mixture of crushed fire roasted tomatoes, milk, melted butter, and aromatic spices. Topped with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, then browned under the broiler, this dish delivers a luscious, cheesy finish without the hassle of boiling pasta first. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with family or guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Baked Penne
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (half of the box)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 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 salt (2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt preferred)
- Meatballs, cooked shredded chicken, or other protein of choice (quantity as desired)
At the End
- A few handfuls of fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking the pasta casserole.
- 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 like meatballs or shredded chicken until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil, ideally using a double layer to prevent steam from escaping, and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly without boiling.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Carefully remove the foil (be cautious, it will be very hot), stir the casserole gently, then add your fresh spinach on top along with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Broil to Brown: Place the dish under the oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping nicely, adding delicious flavor and texture.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked penne rest for a few minutes after removing from the broiler so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully before serving. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- For best results, use a double layer of foil to cover the dish tightly to trap steam and cook the pasta properly without boiling.
- You can substitute the protein with cooked shredded chicken, sausage, or skip entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using pre-seasoned meatballs or other proteins.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or other leafy greens for variation.
- Ensure to stand the dish after broiling so the sauce thickens and the texture sets perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
