Baked Pennette with Vegetables & Cheese(Mandel)

Directions

Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until tender but still firm, 10 to 12 minutes, or according to package instructions.

Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

When hot, add vegetables and fennel seeds.

Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and stir-fry just until vegetables are barely tender, about 3 minutes.

Stir in red pepper flakes to taste, garlic and pasta sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning; mixture should be highly seasoned.

Transfer mixture to large bowl.

Add pasta and toss well. Layer ½ pasta in shallow, greased 2½-quart casserole. Sprinkle with 2½ cups mozzarella. Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Recipe can be prepared several hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Bake at 350 degrees, tented loosely with foil, 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake until sizzling and edges of cheese are browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Pass Parmesan cheese separately.