Description
A comforting and creamy macaroni and cheese dish elevated with the sweetness of corn and the tenderness of zucchini, perfect for summer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the macaroni cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced zucchini and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add corn kernels and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni, zucchini, and corn to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- You can add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
- If using fresh corn, you can blanch it briefly before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Creamy Zucchini Corn Mac, Creamy Zucchini Corn Pasta, Zucchini Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe, Easy Creamy Zucchini Corn Mac, One Pot Creamy Zucchini Corn Mac, Cheesy Zucchini Corn Macaroni