Italian Wedding Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of Italian wedding soup with the richness of a baked pasta casserole. Featuring tender meatballs, pasta, spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Italian Wedding Pasta Bake :
If you love Italian wedding soup but want a heartier, baked version, this Italian Wedding Pasta Bake is just what you need! This dish brings together juicy meatballs, pasta, and a blend of cheese and spinach, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
History of the Recipe :
The term “Italian Wedding” in Italian Wedding Soup comes from the phrase Minestra Maritata, which means “married soup” and refers to the perfect marriage of greens and meat. The soup originated in Southern Italy and traditionally featured meat and leafy greens in a flavorful broth. Over time, creative variations emerged, leading to the development of this Italian Wedding Pasta Bake. By incorporating pasta and a cheesy baked topping, this dish transforms the classic flavors of Italian wedding soup into a hearty, oven-baked meal.
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Italian Wedding Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well and roll into small meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine the Sauce & Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Gently mix in the cooked meatballs.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
- For extra flavor, use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Italian Wedding Pasta Bake :
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQS for Italian Wedding Pasta Bake :
Q: Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells work great in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the meatballs and add more spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion :
Italian Wedding Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings together the beloved flavors of Italian wedding soup in a baked pasta format. With juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and a golden, melted cheese topping, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers!