One Dish No Boil Penne and Meatballs

The name says it all! Penne pasta, sauce and meatballs are all baked up nicely in this one dish wonder. Plus, no boiling the pasta beforehand! So, you can get dinner ready in under an hour.

I do realize my last dinner recipe shared also involved meatballs.

However, I’ve been using precook version quite a bit this summer for quick meals. They’re a lifesaver! Especially, when the weather is warm and cooking something for dinner is last on my list of things that I want to do.

This dish is delicious and quick to prepare. It’s also versatile when it comes to the meatballs, pasta and add ins.

Your Ingredients List:

• Dry Penne Pasta: No boiling required here! If you don’t want to use penne, pick your favorite pasta. Just be sure to stick with the same size/texture.

• Crushed tomatoes: I used a fire roasted variety (see recipe card), but, unseasoned or seasoned with basil will also work.

• Milk: I have used skim, whole and even almond milk with this recipe. They have all worked.

• Butter: I use an unsalted margarine stick for this recipe. Regular butter will also work fine.

• Meatballs: You will need 10-12 cooked meatballs. As you can see from the photo, mine were still a bit frozen when I put them in the dish. But, fresh or frozen is fine. I like this meatless version of precooked meatballs, but, go with your favorite. Of course, going with homemade is an option too.

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh spinach. Optional: Not all my kids will eat the spinach mixed into this dish. But, if you wish, mix in a few handfuls after the pasta is baked.

Make dinner:

• First, spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
• Next, layer the bottom of the dish with the dry pasta.
• Pour the crushed tomatoes on top of the pasta, and layer with meatballs.
• Then, pour in the melted butter and milk.
• Mix it all to combine.
• Cover your whole pan with foil and bake.
• Once baked, remove foil ( it’s hot!) and stir in Parmesan cheese & if desired, fresh spinach (see above note).
• Be sure to let the dish sit to cool for approx 15 minutes before serving.

Serve it with a side of garlic bread. YUM.

One Pan No Boil Penne and Meatballs

Erin Table for Seven

The name says it all! Penne pasta, sauce and meatballs are all baked up nicely in this one dish wonder. Plus, no boiling the pasta beforehand! So, you can get dinner ready in under an hour.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 516 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 ounces dry penne pasta
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup butter melted
• 10 cooked meatballs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
• Layer the bottom of pan with dry pasta. Then, pour crushed tomatoes on top.
• Add in melted butter and milk. Layer with cooked meatballs. Stir the mixture to combine everything together.
• Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes or until pasta is tender.
• Carefully, remove cover and stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Let dish sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

adapted from pinch of yum

Nutrition

Calories: 516kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 18gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 417mgPotassium: 715mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 927IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 202mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!