Cheesy Baked Ziti with Roasted Mushrooms, Corn & Basil

Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta with Roasted Mushroom & Corn

Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta with Roasted Mushroom & Corn is a delightful Italian-inspired dish, perfect for a cozy meal. This hearty and flavorful pasta features a rich tomato sauce, roasted mushrooms, and sweet corn, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make and full of delicious, comforting flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Ziti Pasta

1. Begin by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, which will take about 12-15 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 2: Roasting the Mushrooms and Corn

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil in a shallow frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced button mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Next, add the boiled Del Monte whole corn kernels and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Tomato Sauce

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
3. Stir in the homemade tomato puree, red chilli flakes, salt, sugar, black pepper powder, torn basil leaves, and a sprig of rosemary.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and bring the sauce to a brisk simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combining the Pasta and Vegetables

1. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce, followed by the roasted mushrooms and corn.
2. Toss everything together for about 3-4 minutes to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into the pasta.

Step 5: Baking the Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture into a large baking dish or individual ramekins for single servings.
3. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of dry herbs or extra basil for added flavor.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden and bubbly on top.

Step 6: Serving

1. Once the cheesy baked ziti is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Serve the Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta with Roasted Mushroom & Corn hot, paired with a side of garlic bread with herb butter, a fresh broccoli salad with roasted onions and peppers, and a decadent dessert like eggless choco lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving Suggestions

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crispy breadsticks.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta with Roasted Mushroom & Corn, and share it with your loved ones for a truly memorable meal!