CookPal AI
Italian Wedding Pasta Bake

Italian Wedding Pasta Bake

Cost $20, save $15

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 45 Min
  • 8 Servings
  • $20

INGREDIENTS

  • Dry Ingredients

    • 12 ounces dried farfalle pasta
    • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
    • 🧀 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Meat & Protein

    • 1 (26-ounce) package frozen Italian meatballs, thawed

  • Fresh Vegetables & Herbs

    • 2 stalks celery
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 5 cups chopped kale or baby spinach
    • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, divided
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Liquids & Oils

    • 🧈 4 tablespoons butter, divided
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 (32 ounce) carton reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • Seasoning

    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt

STEPS

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2

Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

3

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add celery and cook covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 7 minutes.

4

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

5

Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and cook for 1 minute.

6

Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 60 seconds.

7

Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.

8

Add kale or spinach to the pot and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.

9

Combine cooked pasta, meatballs, 2 tablespoons oregano, pepper, and salt with the vegetable mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

10

Make the topping: melt remaining butter, mix with panko breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole.

11

Bake the dish in preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and heated through.

12

Let the dish stand for 10 minutes and garnish with parsley and remaining oregano before serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

570

Calories

  • 24
    Protein
  • 44
    Carbs
  • 34
    Fats

💡 Use frozen meatballs to save preparation time.Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter thoroughly for extra crisp topping.Serve immediately for best texture or store for up to 3 days in the fridge.