Recipe: Baked Pasta Casserole (with vegetables and Parmesan cheese sauce)

BAKED PASTA CASSEROLE

1 (16 oz) box penne pasta
4 cups chopped vegetables, such as peppers, mushrooms and broccoli
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups fat free milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp dried), divided use
1/3 cup bread crumbs

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare pasta according to pkg. directions. During last 10 minutes of cooking, add vegetables to the boiling water. Drain well.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, cook onions and garlic in hot butter 1-2 minutes, stirring, until onions are transparent. Stir in flour to form paste. Whisk in milk and cook 5 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats back of spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, pepper and salt.

In casserole dish, combine pasta, vegetables, milk mixture and 1/4 cup basil.

In small bowl, combine bread crumbs, remaining 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 tablespoon basil. Sprinkle over pasta mixture; spray with butter-flavored cooking spray.

Bake 30 minutes or until browned.

Makes 8 servings
From: Terry,Tx