Baked Penne With Broccoli and Three Cheeses

lazyme's Note:

From Bon Appetit, January 2003.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets , 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups purchased marinara sauce
• 1 cup coarsely grated lowfat mozzarella cheese , packed
• ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Stir oil and garlic in small skillet over medium heat 1 minute; set aside.
2. Cook penne in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 11 minutes.
3. Add broccoli; cook 1 minute. Drain.
4. Mix marinara, 1/2 cup mozzarella, ricotta, basil, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, and sautéed garlic in large bowl.
5. Add pasta and broccoli; toss.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer to 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish.
8. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over.
9. Preheat oven to 400°F
10. Bake pasta uncovered until cheese melts, about 20 minutes.
11. Let stand 5 minutes.

Reviews

[Nif]

In school I was always told that I didn't follow instructions well so I thought that I would continue with that pattern and use rotini instead of penne! My grocery store was out of fresh basil so I replaced it with 1 tablespoon of dried basil and used basil/tomato marinara sauce. We all really enjoyed this dish and it was very quick and easy to make. Delish!!! Made for Went to the Market tag. Thanks lazyme!! :)

[weekend cooker]

Great nice quick side dish. Nothing bad here. Loved the combo of cheeses, and the broccoli with this was even better. Lovely pasta dish. I did use regular mozzarella cheese though. Made for Football Pool.

[HokiesLady]

Wow this is an awesome meal! My family devoured every drop of it. I think it was the addition of the broccoli (which they love!) This was so easy to prepare but presents itself as you worked much harder on getting dinner on the table. I would not change one thing except to double it so I could have leftovers!! :) Made for Newest Zaar tag. A 2010 keeper for sure!