Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pasta Bake

1 servings
Orange juice and fennel give this quick Meatball Pasta Bake supper bright, fresh flavor. Chop fennel as you would an onion, or omit it, if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1 package penne pasta

    16-oz.

  • 1 small sweet onion

    chopped

  • 1 medium-size fennel bulb

    thinly sliced, optional

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 2 jars marinara sauce

    24-oz.

  • 2 packages frozen beef meatballs

    thawed, 14-oz.

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3/4 cup organic chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon firmly packed orange zest
  • 1 medium-size red bell pepper

    chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup torn fresh basil
  • 1 1/2 packages fresh mozzarella cheese slices

    8-oz.

  • Garnish: fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

  2. 2

    Sauté onion and fennel bulb in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and fennel seeds, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and next 6 ingredients; increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in basil, cooked pasta, and salt to taste. Transfer to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Place dish on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Top with cheese.

  3. 3

    Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

  4. 4

    Note: We tested with Classico Marinara with Plum Tomatoes.

Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pasta Bake

70 min1 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting weeknight meal that’s anything but boring? This Meatball Pasta Bake delivers an exciting twist on a classic, perfect for family dinners. It's an approachable dish that brings a bright, fresh flavor profile to your table.

Why This Recipe Works

What truly sets this Meatball Pasta Bake apart is the clever infusion of orange juice and fennel. The zesty citrus brightens the rich marinara sauce, cutting through the savory meatballs with a vibrant tang. Paired with aromatic fennel seeds and a thinly sliced fennel bulb, this creates a sophisticated depth that elevates a simple pasta bake into something special.

What to Expect

Prepare for a hearty, deeply satisfying pasta bake featuring tender penne coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. You'll find juicy beef meatballs nestled among creamy, melted fresh mozzarella slices, all tied together by the sweet-tart notes of orange and the subtle, earthy anise flavor of fennel. The chopped red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, while fresh basil brightens every bite. It’s a harmonious blend of familiar comfort and unexpected freshness that will delight your palate.

Customization & Variations

This recipe offers flexibility to suit your preferences. If you're not a fan of fennel, the recipe explicitly notes you can omit the fennel bulb entirely. Feel free to adjust the amount of fresh basil to your liking, adding more for an extra burst of herbaceous flavor. While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, a yellow or orange bell pepper would also work beautifully for a slightly different sweetness or visual.

Serving & Context

This Meatball Pasta Bake is a fantastic choice for a comforting family supper or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it hot straight from the oven, perhaps alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement its rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions