Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis (“Everyday Italian,” Food Network)
Makes one 9x13 pan

* 2 red peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch wide strips
* 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced large
* 1 onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
* 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 2T extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
* 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix or herbs de Provence
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 pound penne pasta
* 3 cups really good marinara sauce
* 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
* 1 cup grated mozzarella
* grated Parmesan

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. On a baking sheet, toss the peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and dried herbs. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. Drain.

4. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Add the roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, peas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are combined.

4. Pour the pasta into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Top with the cheeses. After the pasta has been in the oven for 10 minutes, turn the temperature down to 375 degrees F. Bake until top is golden and cheese melts, about 25 minutes.