Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 16 ounce box Ziti 
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
• 3 cups milk 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt 
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (optional) 
• 2 cups Marinara Sauce (roughly one 24oz jar)
• 2 cups shredded cheese 
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

Preparations:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. 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.
3. Meanwhile, heat the milk in separate pan until just about to boil.
4. 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 salt and set aside.
5. Simultaneously, Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 tablespoons salt (optional). Cook Ziti for 30 seconds less than the package instructions.
6. In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, 1.5 cups of shredded cheese, and grated cheese.
7. In a greased 9x13” baking dish, combine marinara mixture, milk sauce, and ziti. Mix well. Top with remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.
8. Bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbling and crusty on top. Serve immediately.