A delightful baked pasta dish combining penne, broccoli, and a medley of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Avoid burning the garlic as it can turn bitter; keep stirring.
Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Add the broccoli to the pot with the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Adding the broccoli to the pasta water saves time and dishes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, ricotta, basil, Parmesan, and the sautéed garlic.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Ensure all pasta is well coated with the sauce mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Spread the mixture evenly in the dish for uniform baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Allowing the dish to rest helps the flavors meld together.