Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

Step 2

Sauté onion and fennel bulb in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and fennel seeds, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and next 6 ingredients; increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in basil, cooked pasta, and salt to taste. Transfer to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Place dish on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Top with cheese.

Step 3

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 4

Note: We tested with Classico Marinara with Plum Tomatoes.