Baked Ziti From Cook S Illustrated Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Ziti From Cook S Illustrated

• 1% Fat Cottage Cheese
• 2 large eggs
• Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste
• Ziti Pasta
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Garlic Cloves
• 28 ounces (794g) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Dried Oregano
• Fresh Basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Black Pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Mozzarella Cheese

How to Make Baked Ziti From Cook S Illustrated

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Adjust oven rack to the middle position.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, and 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
3. Set aside.
4. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
5. Add the ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is softened but not fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and set aside.
7. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and minced garlic in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until fragrant (but not browned).
8. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and oregano.
9. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
10. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup of the basil and the sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy cream.
12. Add the cream mixture to the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
13. Remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
14. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.
15. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish. Spread the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top.
16. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
17. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
18. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, about 30 more minutes.
19. Let cool for 20 minutes before sprinkling with the remaining 3 tablespoons of basil and serving.