Baked Penne Rigate, Broccoli & Cheese Recipe
Big Batch!
Typically I'm feeding 10-12 people per meal, so when I cook, I make a lot. Feel free to trim this recipe in half if you find it's just too much. Of course, having delicious left overs to take as a tasty lunch or to freeze and have an already meal set for later isn't such a bad idea either.
This is a fantastic recipe for hot-lucks, holiday parties, or just as a family meal ~ main dish, or side dish.
Cook Time
Here's what you'll need
- 2 - 16 to 18 oz boxes Penne Rigate, you can use macaroni if you prefer
- 1/4 cup Liquid Eggs, again, you can use real eggs (2 Lg)
- 4 cups Whole Milk, 2% is fine
- 1 stick butter or margarine
- 6 cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 2 cups Mozzerella Cheese, Shredded
- 2 teaspoon Salt, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon Pepper, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, optional or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Powder, optional or to taste
- 1 package Frozen Broccoli, as much or little as you like
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350*F (175*C) lightly grease a large baking dish (or two medium)
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the noodles and cook for 5 minutes or until about half way done.
- In another large pot mix together the milk, butter, seasonings, Mozzarella, and 5 cups of Cheddar. Heat on medium to low, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese does not clump or burn to the bottom.
- Once your entire milk/cheese mixture is well melted and blended, remove from heat and add the liquid eggs (or beaten eggs). Set aside.
- Remove your pasta from the boiling water by using a strainer or colander. Do not rinse.
- Pour your pasta into the casserole dish, followed by the broccoli. Next pour your liquid mixture over top of the pasta and broccoli, ensuring that all areas are covered.
- Cover your casserole with tinfoil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the tinfoil, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Place back in the oven to cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, allow 5 minutes to cool before serving.
Other Optional Ingredients:
You could remove the broccoli and replace it with any other vegetable of your choice.
Adding some chopped chicken would also add to the flavor of the dish.
Experiment and have fun!
Our family likes to alternate meat and meat-free dishes throughout the week to cut down on the food budget. Meat gets expensive when you eat it every day & with a large family and poor economy you have to cook smart.
