WHITE BAKED ZITI

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White Baked Ziti image

This is a creamy and indulgent white baked ziti with a classic bechamel base but with the addition of nutty Parmesan. Cubed mozzarella is folded into the pasta before baking to reveal surprise reservoirs of melty cheese throughout. A bit of red pepper flakes adds the right touch of heat to balance everything out.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Olive oil, for greasing baking dish
Kosher salt
1 pound ziti
4 cups milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with oil.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta back to the pot.
  • Put the milk in a glass measuring cup and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until just warm, about 2 minutes.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Continue to whisk until the mixture bubbles a bit but does not brown, about 1 minute.
  • Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a boil over high heat, whisking often and occasionally running a rubber spatula around the edges of the saucepan to prevent burning. When the sauce is boiling, reduce to a simmer over medium heat and cook until thickened to a nice coating consistency, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat. Add 1 cup of the Parmesan, the red pepper flakes and 2 teaspoons salt. Whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the bechamel sauce over the pasta and toss to combine. Fold in the cubed mozzarella. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella and sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan. Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Football player Life
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This was a good recipe, but I think I would have liked it better with a different type of cheese.


Barbara Thomas
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This is my new favorite baked ziti recipe. It's so easy to make and it always turns out delicious.


Sk Sagib
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Not sure what I did wrong, but this recipe didn't turn out well for me.


Shannon mitchell
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my friends and they all loved it. Thanks for sharing!


Juanita
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I'm not a huge fan of baked ziti, but this recipe changed my mind. The sauce is amazing and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


Muzamal Ansari
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This is the best baked ziti recipe I've ever tried. The sauce is creamy and cheesy, and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


Hanif Malangi
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The sauce was a little bland for my taste, but overall this was a good recipe.


Mian Waqas
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This recipe was easy to follow and the dish turned out delicious. I will definitely make it again.


Shraban Yadav
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I've tried this recipe a few times and it always turns out great. It's a family favorite.


Ram Khadka
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I made this recipe for my family and they all loved it. The sauce was flavorful and the pasta was cooked perfectly.


Babatunde From Africa
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This is my go-to recipe for baked ziti. It's always a hit at potlucks and parties.


Muhammad Hawar
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The sauce was too thick for my taste, but otherwise this was a good recipe.


Khalil Ur Rahman Noori
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Easy to follow recipe, and the dish turned out great! Will definitely make it again.


Aamir Taj Abbasi
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my friends and they all loved it. The sauce was creamy and cheesy, and the pasta was perfectly al dente.


Jason Sween
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Not a fan of this recipe. The sauce was bland and the pasta was overcooked.


Malik Raheem
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I've made this dish several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The sauce is so rich and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


Zandile Mkhabela
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This baked ziti was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the creamy sauce and the tender pasta. It was also really easy to make, which is always a plus.