Zucchini Pomodoro Penne Bake with Mozzarella & Herbed Ricotta

Step 1

• Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. • Halve, peel, and dice half the onion (whole onion for 4 servings). Finely dice tomato. Trim zucchini, then grate on the largest holes of a box grater.

Step 2

• Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook until almost al dente, 8 minutes (it’ll finish cooking in step 6). • Drain penne. Keep empty pot handy for step 5.

Step 3

• Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, tomato, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 4-6 minutes. • Stir in marinara, zucchini, ½ tsp Italian Seasoning (1 tsp for 4 servings), ¼ cup water (½ cup for 4), 1 tsp sugar (2 tsp for 4), and a big pinch of salt. (You’ll use more Italian Seasoning in the next step.) Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring, 3 minutes more. Turn off heat.

Step 4

• While sauce simmers, in a medium bowl, combine ½ cup ricotta (1 cup for 4 servings), ½ tsp Italian Seasoning (1 tsp for 4), and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

• Add drained penne, sauce, and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) to pot used for pasta. Season with salt and pepper; stir to thoroughly combine. • Spread out half the pasta mixture in an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. (For 4, use a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.) Using a tablespoon, dollop pasta mixture with herbed ricotta. Top with remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella.

Step 6

• Cover baking dish with foil. (TIP: Coat inside of foil with nonstick spray first to prevent sticking.) Bake pasta on top rack for 10 minutes, then remove from oven; discard foil. • Heat broiler to high. Broil until cheese is lightly browned, 4-5 minutes. TIP: Watch carefully to avoid burning. • Let cool slightly; top with chili flakes if desired. Divide between plates and serve.