You know how leftover pasta is never quite as good as when it’s fresh? Turning it into a baked dish breathes new life into it!
I usually make this with our penne leftovers, but you can use any pasta you’d like, fresh or leftover!
Baked pasta is such an incredible comfort food. Perhaps it’s because of those crispy, yummy bits of pasta that stick to the edges of the pan? Or maybe because of the chewy, yet melt-in-your-mouth, texture of each noodle? What do you think?
This is quick and easy to make and it’s incredibly kid-friendly (and mommy and daddy friendly)!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 5 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups of your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Remove 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and combine it with the bread crumbs in a small bowl and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with the tomato sauce, remaining parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, thyme, and broth. Season generously with salt and pepper, and pour this mixture into a 2-quart, rectangular baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with the bread crumb mixture and drizzle with the olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. If the top isn’t browning, place the pan under the broiler for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes golden.
