Baked Ziti With Broccoli

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9x5-inch round baking casserole.

Bring a large pot of abundantly salted water to a vigorous boil and add pasta. After about 5 minutes, add the broccoli and cook until pasta is three-quarters cooked (follow package instructions) and then drain well. Toss pasta and broccoli with Parmesan, garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in prepared casserole dish.

In a small saucepan, melt butter of over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir to form a roux. Continue to cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Return saucepan to medium heat and cook white sauce, stirring occasionally, until dense, 10 to 15 minutes.

Layer provolone cheese over pasta mixture and cover with white sauce. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and drizzle some olive oil over top. Bake until top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.