Adapted from Cucina Simpatica: Robust Trattoria Cooking by Johanne Killeen & George Germon
This Penne with Tomato, Cream & Five Cheeses is like a cross between your best mac & cheese and your favorite baked ziti.
Preheat oven to 500°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Combine all ingredients, except pasta and butter, in a large bowl. Mix well.
Drop the pasta into the boiling water and parboil for 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and add to the mixture in the large bowl. Toss to combine.
Divide the pasta mixture among six to eight shallow ceramic gratin dishes of 1 1/2 to 2 cups in capacity. Or place in a shallow (1-inch) layer in a very large baking dish. Dot with butter. Bake until bubbly and brown on top, about 7 to 10 minutes.