Macaroni Bianco with Ricotta and Fresh Mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, plus more for greasing
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated or cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh ricotta
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Butter a shallow 2-quart gratin dish.
- Stir together the mozzarella, ricotta and black pepper in a large bowl.
- In a large pot of boiling well-salted water, cook the pasta until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and then drain the pasta well.
- Add the pasta to the cheese mixture and toss well to coat.
- Add about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, or as needed, to loosen the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the buttered gratin dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Dot the top of the dish with the butter cubes.
- Bake until the dish is hot throughout and the topping has melted, about 15 minutes.
- Turn on the broiler and broil the macaroni and cheese until the crumbs are golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
unsalted butter, fresh mozzarella, fresh ricotta, freshly ground black pepper, pasta shells, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese
Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/macaroni-bianco-ricotta-and-fresh-mozzarella (may not work)