Baked Ziti with Cheese

Ziti in a creamy tomato sauce with lots of cheese is baked in individual serving dishes for this gourmet weeknight meal.

• Calories: 578 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 5 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) box Barilla® Ziti
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (Optional)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (Optional)
• 2 cups Barilla® Marinara Sauce
• 1 pound buffalo mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bechamel sauce: Heat butter in a medium sauce pan until melted. Add flour and stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat until light golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the milk in separate pan until just about to boil.

Step 3

Add milk to butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously until very smooth and bring to a boil. Cook 30 seconds and remove from heat. Season with nutmeg and 2 teaspoons salt and set aside.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Step 5

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 tablespoons salt (optional).

Step 6

Cook Ziti for 30 seconds less than the package instructions.

Step 7

Add Marinara Sauce, bechamel sauce, mozzarella, and grated cheese to the ziti and mix well.

Step 8

Divide ziti and sauce mixture among six individual gratin dishes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Step 9

Bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbling and crusty on top. Serve immediately.