Who doesn’t love an easy baked pasta? Al dente penne served warm out of the oven, smothered in gooey melted cheese with a perfectly crispy top…drool! Of course we tossed in some veggies and fresh herbs to add flavor and health it up, and if that weren’t enough, we offer a fabulous gluten free pasta option because we care so darn much. Just look at this incredible Baked Penne with Broccoli and Tomatoes!
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Less Than 30 Minutes Start to Finish!
What we love about this pasta dish is that while you are waiting for pasta to boil, you can prepare and cook everything else. Then toss together in one pan and bake! It’s perfect for the two of you, but if you want to double or even triple the recipe, feel free. Just bake in a baking dish or larger pan. Your guests will love it!
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When it Comes To Italian Food…
…add more or less of anything! Love basil or garlic? Add more. Can’t tolerate that much cheese? Add less. Pasta is incredibly easy to customize, so do it to your hearts content.
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TIPS FOR COOKING PASTA!
When cooking pasta there are only a few things to remember:
1. Follow pasta box cooking instructions, they usually are right on.
2. Salt the water for flavor.
3. To keep pasta from sticking be sure to have lots of water in your pot, at least several inches above the pasta to allow room for expansion, and be sure to stir frequently.
5. Little known fact, if serving immediately, do not rinse! Just tap the colander on the sink to remove extra water.
The Recipe: Baked Penne with Broccoli and Tomatoes
What you need: an oven safe pan. If you are making this recipe gluten free we recommend Jovial Gluten Free Pastas!
A quick and easy to make Baked Penne with Broccoli and Tomatoes. If you are cooking for more than two, double the recipe and use a bigger pan or baking dish. Remember, when it comes to Italian food it's all up to personal taste! Love garlic? Add more! Prefer less basil? Cut back. Cheese it up, or don't. Whatever floats your boat.
- 6 oz penne pasta (about 2 cups)
- 2-3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut fairly small
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 8-10 leaves fresh basil, chopped
- 1 1/4 cup Italian cheese blend (I used asiago, provolone and parmesan blend but you could use mozzarella and Fontina as as well)
- sea salt and pepper to taste
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees and place oven rack in center position. Set a medium sized pot of salted water on high heat for pasta. Start pasta when water boils and cook to package directions
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Chop onion, tomatoes, basil and garlic, grate cheeses if needed
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While pasta cooks, begin cooking veggies
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Heat a medium sized oven safe pan on medium/high heat. When pan is hot add olive oil, allow to heat until hot but not smoking
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Add onions, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until slightly soft, add garlic and cook for 60 more seconds
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Add tomato paste, stir, mixing well for about a minute
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Add broth, broccoli, and half the tomatoes (reserve the rest for garnish). Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir well and bring broth to a low simmer. Cook for 6 minutes
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Add basil, half the cheese, and cooked, strained pasta. Stir well. Top with remainder of cheese
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Place pan in oven for about 12 minutes. When cheese is melted and a little crispy, remove pan from the oven, top with remaining tomato and basil. Serve!
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Looks divine! LOVE baked pasta — need to try this!
I NEVER bake pasta which is silly because this looks amazing!
Baked pasta is pure comfort food – I can think of very few things that can come close! Must try!!
Looks so comforting and delicious! Love all the veggies in it too!
Baked pasta is my absolute FAV! This looks amazing – thank you for the tips for customizing it to how we eat here!