Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Ziti with Sharp Cheddar and Mushrooms recipe! Featuring tender ziti pasta enveloped in a luxurious homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is elevated with the earthy depth of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and garlic. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust and a sprinkle of parmesan, this baked pasta dish bakes to golden perfection, delivering a satisfying blend of textures. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this hearty recipe is ready in just under an hour and serves six generously. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, this oven-baked ziti combines classic ingredients with a gourmet twist, making it a must-try for any pasta lover.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reserving 1/2 cup for topping. Add the parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until smooth.
Combine the cooked ziti, mushroom mixture, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved sharp cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
3795 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 191.4 g | 245% | |
| Saturated Fat | 108.4 g | 542% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 532 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 6316 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 377.5 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.6 g | ||
| Protein | 174.0 g | 348% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.8 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 3553 mg | 273% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 2378 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.