Make-Ahead Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

By dlperkins

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dried cut ziti or penne pasta
• 1 14 1/2 ounce can crushed or diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
• 12 cloves garlic, minced (2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (4 ounces)
• 3/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese (3 ounces)
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese (2 ounces)
• Snipped fresh Italian parsley (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a greased 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Stir in tomatoes.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil over medium heat just until tender, stirring occasionally. Whisk in cream, broth, wine, flour, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Gradually stir in cheeses until melted. Pour cheese mixture over pasta mixture.

Cover baking dish with foil and chill up to 48 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes or until heated through, stirring once. Stir before serving. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.