claire freehafer

pasta parmesan

[ source ]

ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 zucchini, diced ¼-in
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed ½-in
  • 28 oz marinara sauce
  • ½ c parmesan cheese
  • ½ c panko breadcrumbs
  • 10 tsp basil oil

instructions

  1. adjust oven rack to top position and heat broiler to high. bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. once water is boiling, add penne to pot. cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. reserve ¾ c pasta cooking water, then drain.

  2. heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. add zucchini and cook, stirring, until just browned, 4-6 minutes. stir in onion, garlic, and season with garlic powder, basil, rosemary, cayenne pepper, oregano, and fennel. cook, stirring, until onion is softened, 3-5 minutes. season with salt and pepper.

  3. add marinara sauce, penne, and reserved pasta cooking water to pan with veggies; stir to combine and season with garlic powder, basil, rosemary, cayenne pepper, oregano, and fennel. simmer until warmed through, 3-4 minutes. stir in half the parmesan. season with plenty of salt and pepper. remove pan from heat. if your pan is not ovenproof, transfer pasta now to a baking dish.

  4. in a small bowl, stir together panko, remaining parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. top pasta with mozzarella, then panko mixture.

  5. broil pasta on top rack until panko is golden brown, sauce is bubbly, and cheese has melted, 5-7 minutes. watch carefully to avoid burning. let cool slightly, then divide between plates or bowls. drizzle with basil oil and serve.

see more