Mini Meatball Pasta Bake

By jenlin

Ingredients

• Mini meatballs
• Pasta Sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound ziti or mostaccioli pasta
• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 70mins
Cooking time 155mins
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the layering: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

To assemble: Spoon some cooled sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch dish. Layer on half of the pasta, half the sauce and meatballs and then half the mozzarella cubes. Repeat the layers once more and top the dish with the grated Parmesan.

If serving immediately, baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.

If serving later, cover the assembled dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.