Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses recipe (inspired by Bon Appetit, January 2003) is a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love. Enjoy perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli florets, and a delightful blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying dish that's easy to make!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 391.8 kcal
Protein 25g
Rating 3.8 (5 Reviews)
Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Penne Pasta
  • Broccoli Florets
  • Marinara Sauce
  • Lowfat Mozzarella Cheese
  • Low Fat Ricotta Cheese
  • Fresh Basil
  • Parmesan Cheese

How to Make Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Mince garlic and chop broccoli into florets.
  3. In a small skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Set aside.
  4. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. During the last minute of cooking, add broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.
  5. Drain pasta and broccoli; set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped basil, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Stir in the sautéed garlic.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Transfer the pasta mixture to an 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  12. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

25 g

Sugar

46g

Fat

16g

Carbs

21g