Baked Penne with Zucchini, Corn, and Basil

Today the movers come and pack up what is remaining at our house. It isn't much... a few toys, some clothes that won't be coming with us on the plane, and the rest of my kitchen. For 3 weeks we have been living in a pretty empty house and, while I am not looking forward to moving, I am glad that we are finally getting closer to it. 2 kids in an empty house all day is not exactly the best thing. We are all going stir crazy and I think we are ready to clear out of the house.

We will be moving to a hotel in a couple of days and then we will be flying to Phoenix on September 7. We are going to visit family and take a trip to Disneyland before finally heading to El Paso, Texas - our new home for at least 2 years. I am not ready to say goodbye to Germany after 7 years, but it is getting closer to that time. YIKES!

Anyway.... I saw this recipe on Nancy's blog, The Dogs Eat The Crumbs, and knew that I would have to make it ASAP. It was so good and we all loved it. I will definately be making it again soon!

Baked Penne with Zucchini, Corn, and Basil

Recipe from Williams-Sonoma, found on The Dogs Eat The Crumbs

Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 lb. penne
6 Tbs. olive oil, plus more as needed
Kernels cut from 2 ears of corn
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 zucchini, about 2 lb. total, cut into half-moons
1/2 yellow onion, diced
4 tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 Tbs. sliced garlic
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 Tbs. tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated
2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Preheat an oven to 400ºF.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Generously salt the water, add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water. Set aside. In a 12-inch nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the corn, season with salt and black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.

Return the pan to medium-high heat and warm the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil. Working in batches, add the zucchini, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add to the bowl with the corn. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

Set the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, 1 tsp. salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to form a sauce, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until the wine has reduced and the sauce is fairly thick, about 3 minutes more.

Add the pasta, tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano to the bowl with the vegetables and stir to combine. Transfer to the fry pan and sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until golden brown on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm.

Serves 8.