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Cheesy Baked Pasta and Plant-Based Ground Protein Meatballs

Cheesy Baked Pasta and Plant-Based Ground Protein Meatballs

with Spinach
4.0(34)
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Calories
900 kcal
Protein
47g protein
Preparation Time
25 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Allergens:
  • Oats
  • Rye
  • Sesame
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Milk
  • Sulphites
  • Fish
  • Egg
  • Sulphites
  • Peanuts
  • Triticale
  • Crustaceans
  • Mustard
  • Tree nuts
  • Soy
  • May contain traces of allergens
  • Milk
  • Sesame
  • Gluten
  • Wheat
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
serving amount

250 g

Plant-Based Ground Protein

2 tbsp

Italian Breadcrumbs

(Contains: Oats, Rye, Sesame, Soy, Wheat, Barley, Milk May contain traces of: Fish, Egg, Sulphites, Peanuts, Triticale, Crustaceans, Mustard, Tree nuts, Soy)

1 unit(s)

Crushed Tomatoes with Garlic and Onion

2 tbsp

Tomato Sauce Base

(May contain traces of: Fish, Egg, Sulphites, Crustaceans, Mustard, Tree nuts, Soy, Milk, Sesame, Gluten, Wheat)

56 g

Baby Spinach

170 g

Cavatappi

(Contains: Wheat)

¾ cup

Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

(Contains: Milk)

¼ cup

Parmesan Cheese, shredded

(Contains: Milk)

½ tbsp

Soy Sauce

(Contains: Soy, Sulphites May contain traces of: Fish, Egg, Mustard, Milk, Sesame, Wheat)

1 tsp

Garlic Powder

(May contain traces of: Sulphites, Peanuts, Triticale, Mustard, Tree nuts, Soy, Milk, Sesame, Wheat)

Not included in your delivery

1 tbsp

Unsalted Butter*

(Contains: Milk)

0.38 tsp

Salt*

0.13 tsp

Pepper*

½ tsp

Sugar*

Calories900 kcal
Fat38 g
Saturated Fat18 g
Carbohydrate101 g
Sugar15 g
Dietary Fiber11 g
Protein47 g
Cholesterol55 mg
Sodium2060 mg
Trans Fat1.5 g
Potassium1400 mg
Calcium600 mg
Iron7.5 mg
Due to the different suppliers we purchase our products from, nutritional facts per meal can vary from the website to what is received in the delivered box, depending on your region.
Colander
Large Pot
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Large Bowl
8x8" Baking Dish
Large Non-Stick Pan

Cooking Steps

Cook cavatappi
1
  • Add cavatappi to the boiling water. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10-12 min.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup (1 cup) pasta water, then drain and return cavatappi to the same pot, off heat.
Roast plant-based ground protein meatballs
2
  • Meanwhile, add plant-based ground protein, breadcrumbs, half the soy sauce, half the garlic powder, 2 tbsp (4 tbsp) milk, 3 tbsp (6 tbsp) Parmesan and 1/4 tsp (1/2 tsp) salt to a large bowl. Season with pepper, then combine. 
  • Roll mixture into 8 equal-sized meatballs (16 meatballs for 4 ppl).
  • Transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish (9x13-inch for 4 ppl).
  • Roast in the top of the oven until cooked through, 10-12 min.**
  • When meatballs are done, switch the oven to broil.

 

Cook sauce
3
  • Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Add tomato sauce base, crushed tomatoes, remaining garlic powder, remaining soy sauce and 1/2 tsp (1 tsp) sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly, 2-3 min.
  • Add 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) butter, then stir until melted.
Finish sauce and cook spinach
4
  • Add cavatappi and reserved pasta water to the pan with sauce. 
  • Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats cavatappi, 2-3 min.
  • Meanwhile, roughly chop spinach.
  • Add spinach. Cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, 1 min. 
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Assemble and broil
5
  • Add meatballs to the pan with pasta, then gently toss to coat meatballs in sauce.
  • Transfer pasta and meatballs to the baking dish used for meatballs.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella, then remaining Parmesan over top.
  • Broil pasta and meatballs in the middle of the oven until cheese is melted and top is golden, 4-6 min. (TIP: Keep your eye on pasta and meatballs so they don't burn!)
Finish and serve
6
  • Divide cheesy baked pasta and meatballs between plates.
7

If you've opted to get plant-based ground protein, prep and cook the same way the recipe instructs you to prep and cook beef.**