Meatball Spinach Bake

Comforting Italian flavors in a cheesy bake.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with ½ teaspoon salt. Add pasta and cook for

Step 3

11-13 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse with cold water, place back in pot and stir in pasta sauce. Set aside.

Step 4

Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for 20 minutes. Cool slightly and cut meatballs in half. Set aside.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, eggs, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

Step 6

In another medium-sized bowl, combine ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Set aside.

Step 7

To assemble: Place ½ of pasta mixture on bottom of an 11x13-inch pan, top with ½ of cottage cheese mixture, spinach, meatballs and ½ of the shredded cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the shredded cheese mixture. If desired, top with the extra cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 8

Bake for 45 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly.

Step 9

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.