Penne and Blue Cheese Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Directions:

1. Set oven to 375°F.
2. Butter an oval (4-quart) baking dish I use my White Corning Ware dish for this).
3. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until JUST cooked (cook only to firm-tender) drain, and toss with a couple tablespoons of oil or melted butter; cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside.
4. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
5. Add in red bell peppers, celery, onion and garlic; saute until softened (about 6-7 minutes) add in sliced mushrooms, if using, season with salt and pepper; set aside.
6. In a heavy saucepan combine whipping cream, half and half and blue cheese; stir over low heat until cheese melts; remove from heat, and add in about 1 teaspoon celery seeds and cayenne (to taste).
7. In a medium bowl beat egg yolks, and gradually whisk in HALF of the cheese sauce, then return the mixture to saucepan with the cheese sauce, and whisk to blend.
8. In a large bowl mix together cooked penne pasta, onion/red pepper mixture and cheese sauce; mix well to combine.
9. At this point you can cover and refrigerate to bake later in the day or up to 24 hours.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling.