***I DO NOT RECOMMEND ASSEMBLING THIS AHEAD OF TIME. The pasta seeps up the sauce. Instead, you can prepare the sauce and refrigerate separate from the pasta. Cook the pasta, toss it in a touch of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together, and refrigerate. When ready to assemble, warm the sauce (you can do this in the microwave). You might need to add a touch of milk to thin, then proceed as instructed. This prep will make assembly come together quite quickly.
*You just need enough provolone to cover the 9×13 in a single layer. Typically 8 slices medium provolone or 6 large slices as pictured from Costco. Gouda slices would also be delicious.
***Feel free to swap cheeses for a combination of whatever you have on hand – Asiago, Gouda, smoked cheddar, Monterrey, etc – the possibilities are endless! You can also mix in bacon, ham, etc.
**I find this pasta equally delicious without the panko topping as the Parmesan cheese topping bakes to golden perfection ?