Springy Shells Casserole

My garden is overflowing with zucchini and summer squash. Thankfully Pioneer Woman posted this recipe for a yummy shell pasta casserole filled with all sorts of good veggies. I think you could also call this a shell lasagna with veggies. Mmmm...it was good!

• 16 ounces, weight Pasta Shells (medium) Or Other Short Pasta
• 1 pound Asparagus, Cut Into 1 1/2 Inch Pieces, Discard Tough Pieces
• 1/2 pound Broccoli, Cut Into Small Florets
• 1/2 pound Zucchini (about 1 Medium Zucchini) Diced
• 1/2 cup Frozen Peas
• 3 whole Green Onions Sliced (white & Light Green Parts)
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 20 ounces, weight Ricotta Cheese (20 - 22 Ozs.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1-1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
•  Black Pepper, Freshly Ground
•  Extra Olive Oil For Drizzling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook pasta until extremely al dente—with still quite a bit of bite.

Melt butter with the olive oil over medium-low to medium heat, then add in the garlic. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for five minutes. Sprinkle in a little salt.

Add the broccoli and cook for one minute, then add the zucchini and cook for one or two more minutes. Add the frozen peas, still together then turn off the heat. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half the pasta, then spread 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture over the surface. Sprinkle 1/3 of the Parmesan over the ricotta, then ½ of the vegetables. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, the rest of the ricotta, and another 1/3 of the Parmesan. End with the rest of the vegetables and the rest of the Parmesan.

Drizzle with a couple of tablespoons olive oil, then bake for 25 minutes on 350 degrees or until nice and hot.

Serve with extra Parmesan.

Who Dished it first? The Pioneer Woman