This recipe caught my attention because the prep seemed to be SUPER easy. Mix all ingredients together and pour into a baking dish...you can't get much easier than that!
I was slightly unsure how the pasta would cook in this recipe. Part way through the bake time, I took a peek. So happy that I did because I realized that not all of the pasta was fully submerged in liquid and it was not cooking evenly. To avoid crunchy, uncooked pieces of pasta, I quickly stirred up the mixture before placing it back in the oven. Really not much of an inconvenience at all.
The kids all liked this pasta. I thought it was ok. I was a little underwhelmed by the flavor. If I'm going to splurge on pasta, I want it to be delicious. This missed the mark for me. However, because it is so simple and easy to throw together, I could see the kids taking over kitchen one night and making this for themselves for dinner.
Substitutions/Additions made by Cooking After Class for Baked Broccoli Penne:
- followed directions as written
Tips from Cooking After Class for making Baked Broccoli Penne:
- this recipe needed a full 45 minutes in the oven
- stir part way through the cooking time to make sure all noodles get cooked through
- if I make it again, I'd double the broccoli for some more veggies
Effort: Easy
Time: 1 hour
Kids Comments: Good... it was real pasta
Make it Again: Maybe, don't always have that much time to make a meal. Easy enough for the kids to make so maybe they'll make it for dinner one night :)
all ingredients ready to go
mix everything together in one bowl
pour into casserole dish and sprinkle cheese on top
dinner is done