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america's test kitchen baked ziti

America's Test Kitchen Baked Ziti Recipe

Here’s what you need to make this incredible baked ziti:
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb whole milk cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 oz Parmesan cheese grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 lb ziti or other short tubular pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 28 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, and 1 cup of Parmesan. Set aside.

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta, cooking until it just starts to soften (5-7 minutes). Drain the pasta but do not rinse the pot.

Make the Tomato Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup basil and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Cream Mixture

  • In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the heavy cream. Pour this mixture into the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until thickened (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and 3/4 cup mozzarella.

Assemble the Dish

  • Add the pasta to the creamy mixture and stir until well coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface.

Bake

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown (about 30 more minutes). Allow the casserole to cool for 20 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil over the top and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection!