by amreen
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my 17 recipes »
amreen's Notes:
Expand8 ounces penne pasta Ask a question about this ingredient
3 tablespoons olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient
28 ounces canned chopped tomatoes Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large yellow onion Ask a question about this ingredient
4 cloves garlic Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large zucchini Ask a question about this ingredient
8 ounces package of button mushrooms or cremini if you want to get really fancy! Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Ask a question about this ingredient
1 pinch sugar Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Ask a question about this ingredient
5 ounces smoked mozzarella Ask a question about this ingredient
salt to taste Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 cup grated parmesan (optional) Ask a question about this ingredient
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Ask a question about this stepGet your veggies prepped by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic and chopping the zucchini (I like them to be moon shaped ... half the zucchini and then slice). Wash and half the mushrooms. Open the can of tomatoes.
Ask a question about this stepFill a large pasta pot with water and set it on medium heat to boil.
Ask a question about this stepWhile waiting for the water to boil In a (very) large sauce pan (or medium sized pot) heat the olive oil. Add the onions and saute on medium for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute or two. Once the garlic and onion are tender add the chopped tomatoes (with their juice). Add the crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, sugar and salt. Let simmer.
Ask a question about this stepBy now the water should be boiling. Add the penne and let it cook until its done ... about 8 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepOnce you have put the penne to boil add the zuchini and mushrooms to the sauce mixture. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Ask a question about this stepWhile the sauce is simmering and the pasta is boiling cube the mozzarella.
Ask a question about this stepTake the pasta off the flame and drain it. In the pasta pot add the sauce and mix thoroughly.
Ask a question about this stepPlace the pasta + sauce in a large casserole dish. Add the smoked mozzarella and mix it gently. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 45 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepAfter the 45 minutes you can add the grated parmesan on top and put the dish under the broiler for a minute or two to brown.
Ask a question about this stepThis dish will get you love at any potluck ... enjoy!
Ask a question about this stephaha meeee too! I tried it with smoked gouda and didn't like it as much ... the mozzarella is positively melt in your mouth :D
I just wrote down all the ingredients and am making it over the next couple days! With all the rain we're having here in CA, it's perfect weather for all this comfort food!
Mmmmm, gorgeous. Makes my mouth water just to read this. Love the idea of smoked mozzarella! Having been born and bred in the great Commonwealth of Virginia, where bacon and smoked pork products in general constitute their own food group (i.e., you must eat at least one serving per day), I would probably add some bacon or Black Forest ham to this. The balsamic vinegar is a brilliant touch, too. Yummmm. I'm making this. Soon.
The ham (though i have never had it) sounds like a perfect carnivorous addition! Its times like these that i wish i hadn't jumped back on the veggie wagon :P I'm not quite sure what the chemistry is behind it but the vinegar and sugar make the sauce complete! Let me know how it turns out.
Kristen is the Senior Editor of food52.
I love smoked mozzarella! And I'm sure I'd love this dish. Thanks for posting!