Mini Meatball Penne

Transform weeknight dinners with the irresistible charm of Mini Meatball Penne—a comforting pasta dish packed with flavor and soul-warming goodness. This recipe features tender, oven-baked mini meatballs infused with Parmesan, Italian herbs, and garlic, served over perfectly al dente penne pasta. The hearty marinara sauce, simmered with fresh basil, ties it all together, and a melty layer of mozzarella cheese takes every bite to new, cheesy heights. Ready in just under an hour, this dish is ideal for busy evenings yet delicious enough to impress at family gatherings. Whether you’re craving a cozy Italian classic or looking to elevate your pasta night, Mini Meatball Penne is sure to become a new go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 3 cups Marinara sauce
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 3

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 5

While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the marinara sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8

Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce and meatballs until well combined.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta and meatballs to a serving dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy your Mini Meatball Penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1792.4 grams (1792.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3455

Total Fat 166.00g	213%
Saturated Fat 58.40g	292%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 617mg	206%
Sodium 5607mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 321.80g	117%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 18.30g
Protein 175.10g	350%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 1198mg	92%
Iron 25mg	138%
Potassium 1891mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.9%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 37.0%