1-Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the pasta cook evenly and creates a bubbly, golden top.

2-Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, milk, spices (garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt), and meatballs. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and coated with sauce.

3-First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steam environment that helps cook the pasta. Bake for 40 minutes.

4-Check Progress: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole. Check that the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). If the pasta is still too firm, cover and bake for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

5-Add Cheese: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese evenly over the top.

6-Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly with slightly golden edges.

7-Rest Before Serving: This step is crucial! Allow the casserole to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve clean portions.