How to Make Penne and Meatball Casserole - A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this delicious Penne and Meatball Casserole recipe. This dish is a perfect combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection in the oven. It's the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in or a special family dinner. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.<...

Read more

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • ¾ cup uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons egg substitute
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 dash salt
  • 1 dash garlic powder
  • ¼ pound lean ground turkey
  • ¾ cup meatless spaghetti sauce
  • ¼ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 2
  • Yield: 2 servings

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a baking sheet and a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Crumble turkey on top and mix well. Shape mixture into 1/2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
  • Drain penne. Combine baked meatballs with spaghetti sauce in a bowl. Spoon 1/2 the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 of the cooked penne, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese, plus 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. Cover with a glass lid or aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    410 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 63mg
    • Sodium: 1050mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 32g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 304mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 509mg