French Macaroni Gratin

Tessa: Here comes another recipe we tested. This one is TOO good to be true. It’s simple, easy and super delicious. I found it in Diane Clement’s cookbook Zest for Life. She calls it Vicki’s French Macaroni Gratin. It’s basically penne with loads of goat cheese baked to perfection.

Here goes:

4 cups penne
1/2 cup nicoise or any brine cured imported black olives pitted
5 tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 tbsp. fresh thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
11/2 cups chevre cheese
1 cup fresh parmesan

I actually cheated and threw in some mozarella because hey, the more cheese the better.

Method:
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain. Add all remaining ingredients except the Parmesan cheese. Spoon into 13x9x2 inch casserole. Sprinkle parmesan over top and bake at 400Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.