This hearty, smoky pasta bake combines tender penne, flavorful fire-roasted tomatoes, and savory meatballs, all layered with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The addition of fresh spinach adds a touch of green, balancing the rich, cheesy flavor. Perfect for make-ahead meals, this dish freezes beautifully in individual portions, making it ideal for quick lunches or convenient weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus more for coating
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 (28-ounce) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen meatballs, thawed
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 8 minutes (2 minutes less than package instructions) until very al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
2. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Increase to medium-high and stir in tomatoes with juices, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Cook 1–2 minutes, then add spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat and stir in meatballs and drained pasta.
3. Allow pasta mixture to cool slightly. Evenly divide the mixture into 3.2 oz Rubbermaid Brilliant containers. Sprinkle each portion with a little mozzarella and cheddar cheese. For a layered effect, you can add half the cheese, then a little more pasta, and finish with remaining cheese—optional.

Freezing Instructions

1. Seal containers tightly and label with date and contents.
2. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• From Frozen: Remove lid and microwave on high 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.
• From Thawed: Microwave 1–2 minutes until warmed, or bake at 350°F in a small covered dish for 15–20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese.
• Perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.