Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce

Craving a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further than this exquisite recipe for Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce. By combining the gooey goodness of both fresh and low-moisture mozzarella cheeses, this dish strikes the perfect balance of texture and flavor that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

What sets this Baked Ziti apart is the luscious Parmesan cream sauce, a silky concoction made by reducing heavy cream and blending in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano until luxuriously smooth. The end result? A bubbling, golden-brown pasta bake that is as sophisticated as it is comforting, making it the ideal dish to serve a hungry crowd of 6-8. Trust me, once you try this upgraded classic, it will become your go-to recipe for any gathering or special occasion.

Quick Benefits

• Luxurious richness from Parmesan cream sauce without any graininess
• Perfect balance of flavor and texture with two types of mozzarella
• Pasta stays perfectly al dente due to two-stage cooking process
• Easier to make than traditional baked ziti

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture: Two types of mozzarella create a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Luxurious Parmesan Cream Sauce: Adds richness and silkiness without any graininess, elevating the dish to a gourmet level.
• Comforting yet Sophisticated: This dish strikes the ideal balance between familiar comfort food and gourmet sophistication.
• Ease of Preparation: Surprisingly easy to make, despite the gourmet touch, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Pasta Perfection: The two-stage cooking process ensures the pasta stays perfectly al dente, adding to the overall texture and enjoyment of the dish.
• Family and Crowd Favorite: From picky eaters to Italian grandmothers, this recipe has passed the test and garnered praise from various palates.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce

Pasta and Sauce

• 4 cups tomato sauce, divided
• 1½ pounds ziti pasta

Cheeses

• 2 cups diced fresh mozzarella (about 10 ounces), divided
• 2 ounces grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1 cup)
• 2 cups diced low-moisture mozzarella (about 10 ounces)

Cream Sauce and Garnish

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving

Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce

Pro Tip 1: When making the Parmesan cream sauce, ensure you take your time to properly reduce the heavy cream and whisk in the Parmigiano-Reggiano until silky smooth. This step adds luxurious richness without any graininess to your dish.

Pro Tip 2: To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture, choose high-quality ziti pasta that holds its shape when cooked and use both fresh and low-moisture mozzarella. Cutting the low-moisture mozzarella into small pieces and draining the fresh mozzarella well will prevent watery spots and create a deliciously melty cheese layer.

Pro Tip 3: To elevate your baked ziti experience, consider assembling the dish up to a day ahead, excluding the cream sauce. Bring it to room temperature before baking and make the cream sauce fresh just before serving. This make-ahead tip allows the flavors to meld and ensures a perfect texture when serving.

How to Make Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Step 01

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until halfway done (about 6½ minutes for al dente in 9 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Step 02

Mix pasta with 2½ cups of tomato sauce, reserved pasta water, low-moisture mozzarella, 1 cup fresh mozzarella, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread evenly in a baking dish.

Step 3: Step 03

Pour the remaining 1½ cups of tomato sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Step 04

Simmer cream over medium-low heat until reduced to 1½ cups, about 20 minutes. Whisk in Parmigiano-Reggiano until smooth, season with salt, and keep warm.

Step 5: Step 05

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake uncovered ziti until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with basil and drizzle with Parmesan cream before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce is prepared and cooked, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. To store the finished dish, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s recommended to divide the ziti into individual portions for easier reheating and serving later. Place the airtight container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the desired portion in the microwave or oven until heated through.

If you have made a large batch of the Baked Ziti and want to freeze portions for later consumption, it’s best to freeze the dish before baking if possible to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy upon thawing. Simply assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake the frozen ziti, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the recipe. Freezing the dish after baking is also an option, but be aware that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. Properly storing the Baked Ziti will ensure that you can enjoy this delicious meal at a later time with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe, there are a few options. For the ziti pasta, you can use penne or rigatoni as they also hold sauce well and provide a similar texture. When it comes to mozzarella, if you cannot find both fresh and low-moisture varieties, you can use all low-moisture mozzarella or all fresh mozzarella. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious. Another alternative is to use provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste experience.

In place of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, you can substitute Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar nutty flavor and texture. If heavy cream is not available, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter to create a creamy sauce, though the richness may vary slightly. For the tomato sauce, you can use marinara sauce or a canned crushed tomato base with added seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs. Remember to adjust seasoning accordingly if using pre-seasoned sauces. These substitutions can help you customize the dish based on what ingredients you have on hand while still achieving a delicious outcome.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider presenting this elevated Baked Ziti with Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Layer the partially cooked ziti with the rich tomato sauce and cheeses, then top each ramekin with a drizzle of the luxurious Parmesan cream sauce before baking until bubbly and golden. Garnish each serving with a fresh basil leaf before serving for a visually appealing and delicious presentation.

To take this dish to the next level, try serving the Baked Ziti with Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce in mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation. Fill each skillet with the pasta mixture, ensuring a good balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish off each skillet with a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness before serving. This unique serving idea will impress your guests and elevate the dining experience.

FAQs for Creamy Baked Ziti with Dual Mozzarellas and Parmesan Sauce

Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

While ziti is traditionally used for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne. Just keep in mind that different shapes may affect the overall texture and sauce distribution.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance, excluding the cream sauce. Simply cover and refrigerate the dish, then bring it to room temperature before baking. Prepare the cream sauce fresh just before serving for the best results.

How can I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

To prevent the cream sauce from curdling, make sure to keep the cream at a gentle simmer while reducing it. Avoid boiling the cream, and whisk in the Parmigiano-Reggiano off the heat until smooth and silky.

What can I serve with this baked ziti to complement the dish?

A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice to serve alongside this rich and flavorful baked ziti. The acidity of the salad will help balance out the richness of the pasta, creating a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The marriage of two mozzarellas and the luscious cream sauce creates a pasta dish that is both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion. Remember, the key to achieving perfection lies in patience and attention to detail, ensuring each step is executed with care.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a cozy meal, this baked ziti is sure to impress. So take your time, savor the process, and enjoy the rewarding results of this delicious recipe. Embrace the art of Italian cooking and bring a taste of Italy to your table with this unforgettable dish of Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce. Buon appetito!