Five-Cheese Ziti Al Forno is an indulgent, baked pasta dish that combines the comforting flavors of ziti with a rich blend of five different cheeses. This Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something creamy and cheesy. The ziti is tossed in a savory tomato sauce, layered with a velvety cheese mixture, and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheeses creates a deeply satisfying meal that is both decadent and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup of shredded provolone, and 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese. Mix until well combined. If using, stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of shredded provolone with the breadcrumbs (if using) and melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the ziti.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your Five-Cheese Ziti Al Forno, a cheesy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
