Baked Penne - Sneaky Vegetable Recipe

*This is another meal you can make ahead - just make up to the point where you put it in the Pyrex and then refrigerate instead of baking.  You can leave it overnight and bake the next day if serving to company.  Or you can bake all the way and just reheat portions in the microwave if you are just serving for yourself or an informal gathering.

I made up this recipe for dinner tonight - it includes a cup of finely chopped broccoli which would be good for those who have kids who don't like vegetables and are picky, it is so finely chopped it blends into the sauce.  You could also add finely chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

The fresh basil is key to this recipe's flavor!

(As always, my Ninja chopper is my best friend in these recipes and makes prep so much faster and less work)

Ingredients:
3-4 cloves garlic - chopped
1/2 white onion - finely chopped
1 red pepper - chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1/2 block of firm tofu pureed in blender with 1/2 cup water to make a white sauce (I have a Vitamix blender I can't live without)
1 large bunch of basil finely chopped
1 c. of broccoli florets pulsed in chopper until finely chopped
1 box of whole wheat pasta of choice (penne, rotini etc.)
Breadcrumbs (I use Edward & Sons Italian blend, which is vegan and found at Whole Foods)

Spices: 
Salt - 1 tsp.
Black Pepper - 1 tsp.
Balsamic Vinegar - 1 Tablespoon
Fennel Seeds - light sprinkle (gives the taste of sausage without extra fat or calories)

Heat 1 TBSP olive oil in large soup pot
When hot, fry garlic, onion and red pepper a few minutes
Add tomatoes
Stir in tofu puree sauce, basil and broccoli
Stir in Spices

Cook over medium heat a few minutes
Stir in cooked pasta

Transfer mixture to a round Pyrex baking dish

Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes at 350 degrees
Uncover and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top
Turn off the oven and turn it to Broil
Broil the pasta covered with breadcrumbs until just brown (watch closely)

Serve with big salad and a nice crusty loaf of bread and veggie meatballs (Trader Joe's is the brand we love)