Ontario Asparagus Penne Bake

Serves 6

Ontario Asparagus Penne Bake

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Ingredients

• 3 cups (750 mL) penne pasta, about 8 oz (250 g)
• 1 bunch Ontario Asparagus, (about 1lb/500g) trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
• 2 Ontario shallots, diced
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (500 mL) milk
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) freshly grated pepper
• 2 cups (500 mL) grated Asiago or white sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (250 mL) fresh bread crumbs*

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 10 cup (2.5 L) baking dish.
2. In a large pot of boiled, salted water, cook pasta until almost tender, about 6 minutes. Add asparagus and cook until pasta and asparagus are tender, about 2 minutes. Drain well.
3. Meanwhile, in saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, stir in pepper and simmer a few minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup (250 mL) cheese until melted.
4. Combine pasta, asparagus and cheese sauce; spoon into baking dish. Combine remaining cheese and breadcrumbs; sprinkle over pasta. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown.

Notes