Easy Baked Penne

Years ago I had a friend who introduced me to this easy baked pasta recipe. She made it for a 4th of July barbecue one time and we sat eating it for hours. I’ve been making it for potlucks and family dinners ever since.

When I researched baked penne pasta recipes online before making it, I found that so many of them have meat in them. I thought that was strange, because I’ve only ever had THIS Baked Penne, which is vegetarian. My friend didn’t eat meat, so neither did her pasta recipe. As a result, I’ve always made this without meat. And you know what? I don’t miss the meat at all – plus I often serve it with a side of baked or grilled chicken or some meatballs for protein. After all, it makes a HUGE batch, so we’re often eating it at a potluck.

The recipe is easy, using just a handful of ingredients, and comes together in minutes. Plus, do you see how cheesy this baked penne is??? OMG.

• 1 12-16 ounce box penne pasta
• 1 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (and brand/flavor you like)
• 8 ounces cottage cheese , low fat is fine
• 8 ounces sour cream , low fat is fine
• 5 cloves garlic , pressed
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella , divided