Italian Puttanesca Meatball Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Heat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4 so it's ready when you're finished prepping.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

• Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
• Cook the Meatballs: Add the 24 ready-made meatballs to the pan. Cook them gently, turning occasionally, until they are browned all over (about 5-7 minutes).
• Transfer to Dish: Once browned, carefully transfer the meatballs to an ovenproof dish.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Add Garlic and Chili: In the same pan with leftover oil, add 2 finely sliced garlic cloves and a pinch of dried chili flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
• Incorporate Anchovies: If using, add 2 chopped anchovies. Cook until they almost melt into the mixture (another minute).

Step 4: Cook the Courgettes

• Add Courgettes: Stir in 2 coarsely grated courgettes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and the liquid has evaporated.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Stir in Capers and Olives: Add 2 tablespoons of rinsed and chopped capers and 70g of halved black olives to the pan.
• Add Passata: Pour in 500ml of passata and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Combine with Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back into the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and season if needed.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

• Boil Pasta: Meanwhile, cook 300g of penne (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Step 7: Assemble the Bake

• Combine in Baking Dish: Add the drained pasta to the same ovenproof baking dish you used for the meatballs. Spoon the meatball mixture over the pasta and stir gently to combine. Level the surface as much as possible.

Step 8: Bake

• Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

• Let it Rest: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Puttanesca Meatball Bake!