Three Cheese Broccoli and Penne Bake

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"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: 45mins
• Ingredients: 12
• 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.

Reviews

[crimsonfae]

This was really good! My husband had seconds though he usually refuses broccoli. Left out the ricotta and topped with feta instead and used more garlic than recipe calls for.

 

[pattikay in L.A.]

Tasty and simple to put together. My 10-year-old's review: "Oh, Mom, this is so good!" Thanks for posting!

 

[Redsie]

Wow Kit, you did it again! This is a tasty easy wonderful dish!! The broccoli was not mushy and had just enough crunch to make it perfect!! Thanks Kit! :)

 

[Collegegal Baker]

Fantastic recipe! I made a few slight changes: I used 100% whole wheat pasgt because I like to eat whole grains and I used cottage cheese instead of ricotta and I increased the baking time by 15 minutes too. This dish is so easy to prepare and so delicious!

 

[Debs Recipes]

Very good pasta dish! It tastes yummy and is nice 'n cheesy ~ A great comfort food! I steamed my broccoli in advance to make it tender and I topped the casserole with less ricotta and mozzarella than called for in steps #8-9. Thanks Kitten for a great family supper!