Description
Creamy Zucchini & Corn Mac and Cheese Bake blends tender pasta, sweet corn, and zucchini in a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, crunchy topping. The ultimate comfort food with a summer twist!
Ingredients
12 ounces elbow macaroni or short pasta
2 medium zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Sauté zucchini and corn in 1 tablespoon butter for 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
Melt remaining butter in skillet, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
Remove from heat and whisk in yogurt, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add pasta, zucchini, and corn to the sauce. Toss to coat and transfer to baking dish.
Mix panko, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle over pasta.
Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil 1–2 minutes for a crisp top if desired.
Garnish with fresh herbs. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. Slightly undercook pasta for a perfect texture after baking. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
Keywords: zucchini mac and cheese, corn mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, summer casserole, creamy pasta bake, veggie mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy zucchini bake