Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Name: Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds of ziti pasta; 4 cups of tomato sauce, such as a flavorful slow-cooked red sauce, a rich and hearty one-hour red sauce, or a delicious fresh tomato sauce (divided); 2 cups of low-moisture mozzarella, diced (approximately 10 ounces); 2 cups of fresh mozzarella, diced (approximately 10 ounces) (divided); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups of heavy cream; 2 ounces of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (approximately 1 cup); Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving

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By AprilPublished Aug 8, 2023

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends?

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Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Total: 1 hr
Servings: 6

Method

Preheat the oven to 400째F (200째C) and position the rack in the center.
In a medium pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until it is halfway cooked (around 6 1/2 minutes for al dente pasta in 9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water, then drain the pasta.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with 2 1/2 cups of tomato sauce, the reserved pasta-cooking water, low-moisture mozzarella, and 1 cup of fresh mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and press it into an even layer.
Drizzle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce over the top of the pasta.
Scatter the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella all over the dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake it for 30 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, gently simmer the cream over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is reduced to 1 1/2 cups (about 20 minutes). Sprinkle in the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the cream and whisk until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and keep it warm.
Increase the oven temperature to 450째F (230째C), uncover the baked ziti, and cook

About this recipe

Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this mouthwatering Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe. This dish is a cheesy and flavorful twist on the classic baked ziti, and it's sure to become a new favorite in your household.

The Perfect Blend of Cheeses

One of the highlights of this recipe is the combination of two different types of mozzarella cheese. The creamy and melty mozzarella adds a rich and gooey texture to the dish, while the shredded mozzarella provides a deliciously stringy and cheesy topping. When combined with the Parmesan cream sauce, these cheeses create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

A Creamy and Savory Sauce

The Parmesan cream sauce is the secret ingredient that takes this baked ziti to the next level. Made with a blend of Parmesan cheese, cream, and seasonings, this sauce adds a velvety smoothness and a burst of savory flavor to every bite. The creamy sauce coats the ziti perfectly, ensuring that every forkful is filled with cheesy goodness.

Tips for a Perfectly Baked Ziti

When preparing this recipe, there are a few tips that will help you achieve a perfectly baked ziti every time. First, make sure to cook the ziti until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Additionally, be generous with the cheese and sauce, as these ingredients are what make this dish truly exceptional.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! While ziti is the traditional pasta used in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or any other tube-shaped pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare this baked ziti in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Definitely! This baked ziti freezes well. Simply divide the leftovers into individual portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw and reheat in the oven.
Can I add vegetables or meat to this recipe?: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the ziti. You can also add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for a heartier version of the dish.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?: Yes, you can use low-fat or light versions of the cheeses and cream if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different than when using full-fat ingredients.
What can I serve with this baked ziti?: This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long does it take to bake?: This baked ziti typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
In Conclusion: With its irresistible combination of two mozzarellas and Parmesan cream sauce, this Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe is a winner. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting and delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy and satisfying culinary experience!