Three Cheese Broccoli and Penne Bake

This is another of my family's all time favorite dishes! This recipe calls for an 11 x 7-inch pan, which will feed 3 people easily, I strongly suggest to double up the ingredients and bake it in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan if you are feeding more than 4 people, everyone will want seconds! I have also added in ground turkey that I cook with the garlic before I saute the broccoli, you might have to bake it in a larger baking dish if you are adding in ground turkey. to the mixture also.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons  oil (can use more)
• 2  tablespoons  fresh minced garlic
• 3  cups broccoli florets
• 2 1⁄2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 2  cups  favorite  marinara sauce
• 1  cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2  cups ricotta cheese, divided
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped fresh basil
• 1  cup mozzarella cheese (can use more)
• 1⁄3 cup  grated parmesan cheese, plus
• 3  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
•  salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Set oven to 400 degrees.
2. Grease an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
3. In a medium skillet heat oil, then add in garlic; saute for 1 minute, then add in the broccoli florets; saute for a couple of minutes, then remove to a bowl.
4. Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until JUST firm tender; drain.
5. In a large bowl, mix together marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzeralla cheese, 3/4 cup ricotta, fresh basil and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese; mix well to combine.
6. Add in the cooked penne and the broccoli/garlic mixture; toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer the mixture to prepared baking dish.
8. Spoon and then spread with 1-1/4 cups ricotta cheese (you do not have to cover completely with ricotta).
9. Sprinkle with about 1 cup (or more) mozzeralla cheese, then sprinkle with about 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese over the mozza cheese.
10. Bake for about 20 minutes uncovered or until the cheese melts.
11. Let stand for about 5-8 minutes before serving.