Ziti with Sharp Cheddar and Mushrooms

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Combine the cooked ziti, mushroom mixture, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved sharp cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1881.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3795.4

Total Fat 191.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 108.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 531.8mg	0%
Sodium 6315.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 377.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.6g	0%
Total Sugars 60.6g
Protein 174.0g	0%

Vitamin D 392.8IU	0%
Calcium 3552.9mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2378.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 38.4%