Baked Ziti Cheese Combo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cream Sauce and Garnish
01 -
2 cups heavy cream
02 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn for serving
03 -
Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt
→ Pasta and Sauce
04 -
1½ pounds of ziti pasta
05 -
4 cups of tomato sauce, separated
→ Cheeses
06 -
2 cups of cubed low-moisture mozzarella (around 10 ounces)
07 -
2 cups cubed fresh mozzarella (split into two portions, about 10 ounces)
08 -
2 ounces grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (around 1 cup)
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the pasta in salty water for about 6½ minutes, stopping halfway through the recommended time for al dente. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
02 -
Combine pasta with 2½ cups of tomato sauce, the saved pasta water, low-moisture mozzarella, and 1 cup of fresh mozzarella in a large bowl. Mix gently, season with salt and pepper, and spread evenly in a baking dish.
03 -
Pour the remaining 1½ cups of tomato sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the rest of the fresh mozzarella on top, cover tightly with foil, and pop into the oven for half an hour.
04 -
Heat up heavy cream on medium-low, letting it cook down to 1½ cups over around 20 minutes. Slowly whisk Parmesan in until smooth, then season and keep warm until ready to serve.
05 -
Crank up the oven to 450°F (230°C). Take the foil off and bake for another 10 minutes until you see light browning. Let it sit for 10 minutes, add fresh basil on top, and drizzle the Parmesan cream just before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to use any brand or style of tomato sauce you like.
02 -
Enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor.