Baked Penne With Cheese Sauce (Penne Al Forno)

Directions

1. 1. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large baking dish. Toss with 1 Tbsp. of the butter.
2. 2. Heat the remaining butter in a skillet and saute/fry the onion till slightly softened, about 2 min.
3. 3. Mix the onion, pepper, and Cheese Sauce with the penne. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake in a pre-heated 4250 oven for 15 min till the bread crumbs are lightly toasted. Let stand 10 min before serving.
4. MAKE IT LIGHT: Reduce butter to 2 tsp. and substitute the Light Version Cheese Sauce.
5. MAKE IT AHEAD: Prepare the recipe. Unbaked, the penne can be stored up to 1 day in the refrigerator or possibly 1 month in the freezer. If frzn, extend baking time by 25 min.
6. SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve this as a main dish with a green salad for a light menu. For heartier fare, serve as a first course, followed by grilled chicken, meat, or possibly fish.