Description
A comforting Italian-inspired pasta bake featuring tender meatballs, rich tomato and roasted red pepper sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 340g penne
Meatballs and Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 12 meatballs
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- handful of basil, leaves picked, divided
- 190g jar roasted red pepper paste
- 690g jar tomato passata
Topping
- 1 ball mozzarella, drained and torn into chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook pasta: Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the penne in a large saucepan of boiling lightly salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a flameproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden all over.
- Sauté garlic and basil: Add the crushed garlic and half of the basil leaves to the meatballs and fry for 1 more minute to release their flavors.
- Add sauces and combine with pasta: Stir in the roasted red pepper paste and tomato passata. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add mozzarella and bake: Scatter chunks of mozzarella over the top of the pasta and meatballs. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle the remaining basil leaves on top. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is slightly bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and garnish.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add a little extra olive oil or water to keep the pasta moist.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add chili flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- For gluten-free, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian pasta bake, meatball pasta bake, mozzarella pasta bake, baked penne with meatballs, easy pasta bake
