Delicious Cavatappi Meatball Bake – Perfect Family Dinner!
The comforting embrace of our Cavatappi Meatball Bake, a perfect blend of tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free cooking experience that delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture.
4
servings15
minutes55
minutes661
kcal8
hours9
hours10
minutesDive into the comforting embrace of our Cavatappi Meatball Bake, a perfect blend of tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free cooking experience that delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture.
Ingredients
- Pasta Base
4 cups cavatappi pasta
15 ounces robust pasta sauce
1 can creamy cheddar cheese soup
1 cup water
- Meat and Cheese
16 ounces mini meatballs
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Garnish
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Alternative Ingredients
Gluten-free cavatappi pasta replaces regular cavatappi for gluten sensitivities.
Vegan mozzarella and meatballs replace traditional versions for a vegan alternative.
Low-fat cheddar cheese soup replaces regular for a healthier option.
Directions
- Preparation – In a large ungreased baking dish, combine the pasta sauce, cheddar cheese soup, and water. Mix well.
- Assembly – Add the cavatappi pasta to the sauce mixture ensuring even coverage. Distribute the mini meatballs evenly over the top.
- Resting Phase – Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld (about 8 hours).
- Baking – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered dish for 45 minutes.
- Final Touches – Remove the cover, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 661kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27.5g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 39.4g
- Saturated Fat: 18.4g
- Cholesterol: 121mg
- Sodium: 6380mg
- Potassium: 0mg
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 23.2g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 0mg
- Iron: 0mg
