Recipes | Ontario Asparagus Penne Bake
Ontario Asparagus Penne Bake
Serve with a green salad and crusty whole grain bread for a simple, luxurious meal that’s bursting with springtime flavours.
Ingredients
Servings
- 3 Cups Penne Pasta
- 1 Bunch Ontario Asparagus, Cut Into 1-Inch Pieces
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- 2 Ontario Shallots, Diced
- 3 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Milk
- 1/4 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Grated Asiago or White Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Divided
- 1 Cup Fresh Bread Crumbs
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 10 cup (2.5 L) baking dish.Step 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.Step 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.Step 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
Tip: *Remove crusts from 2 slices of bread, tear bread into pieces and place in food processor. Whirl until crumbs.
Feel free to add in a little steamed broccoli in addition, or in place of asparagus too!
