Savory Penne Bake

Midwest Maven's Note:

This is a really yummy twist on mac n' cheese. The sundried tomatoes and pancetta jazz up this creamy, comfort food dish!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb penne rigate
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 ounces pancetta , chopped fine
• 1 shallot , chopped fine
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ¼ cups gouda cheese , shredded
• 1 ¼ cups asiago cheese , shredded
• 2 ounces gorgonzola , crumbled
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomato packed in oil , chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup garlic and cheese flavored croutons , crushed into crumbs
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Cook the penne according to package directions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan and add the pancetta and shallots.
3. Sauté over medium heat for almost 10 minutes or until the pancetta starts to get browned.
4. Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons flour over the pancetta mixture and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly add the milk to the saucepan; let this come to a boil, stirring occasionally.
6. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and add the 3 cheeses.
7. Stir until smooth and completely melted.
8. Add the sun dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoons oregano, and the pepper, and stir.
9. Add the penne to the saucepan and completely coat.
10. Pour the penne mixture into a rectangle baking dish (I use a 13x9-inch dish).
11. Sprinkle the crushed crouton crumbs,the pinch oregano, and the 1 tablespoons butter in small pieces, on top.
12. Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned on top. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Mom2Rose]

Spring PAC 2009: YUMMY!! This is a flavorful pasta - I subbed petite diced tomatoes for the sun-dried ones - delicious!

[Lori Mama]

Nice pasta dish. I had to use bacon, as pancetta is a bit pricey here. I also omitted the gorgonzola, since I don't care for it. No jarred tomatoe available, so used dried. Baked it for 30 min. which was just right. :)

[Gone Fishin']

Another winner. The suace on this is great. I might add a little more sun-dried tomatoes and pancetta next time but definately will do this again. It was a little dry so I will just not cook as long next time. Perfect for a brunch. Made for Fall PAC 2008.