Baked Penne With Corn, Zucchini and Basil

Ingredients

• kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 lb penne
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
• 2 ears corn, kernels cut off cob
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 zucchini, about 2 lb. total, cut into half-moons
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 4 tomatoes, cored, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat an oven to 400ºF.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   Set the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, 1 teaspoons 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.

6. 6

   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.