5 cheese ziti al forno recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best 5 cheese ziti al forno recipe

I have been making this 5 cheese ziti al forno recipe for years and it is always a hit with my family. The combination of five different cheeses creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. My kids ask for this dish at least once a week and I love that I can use simple ingredients to make something that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This baked pasta dish comes from the Italian tradition of al forno which means baked in the oven. The five cheeses include ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for that stretchy melt, parmesan for a salty kick, provolone for a sharp flavor, and asiago for a nutty taste.

When you bake it all together the cheeses melt into a bubbly golden crust on top while the inside stays soft and gooey. The texture is amazing with the tender ziti pasta holding onto all that cheesy goodness. The key to this recipe is layering the cheese mixture with the pasta and sauce so every bite has an even distribution of flavors.

I start by cooking the ziti until it is just al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. Then I mix the ricotta with eggs and some parmesan to create a creamy base. I layer the pasta with marinara sauce and the cheese mixture in a baking dish and top it with shredded mozzarella and provolone.

Baking at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes gives you that perfect golden top. This dish is not just delicious but also has some health benefits from the cheeses which provide calcium and protein. The marinara sauce adds lycopene from the tomatoes which is good for heart health.

I like to serve it with a side salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal. It is a filling and satisfying dinner that makes everyone at the table happy.

5 Cheese Ziti Al Forno

4.6 from 749 votes

A rich and creamy baked ziti made with five different cheeses for a decadent pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions and comes together easily with simple ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Sauce and Assembly

3 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3While the pasta cooks, make the cheese mixture.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, the shredded provolone, and the shredded asiago.
5Add the eggs, garlic powder, black pepper, and chopped parsley, then stir everything together until it is well blended and smooth.
6Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and let it cool for a minute.
7Pour the drained pasta back into the pot and add the cheese mixture, stirring gently to coat each piece of ziti evenly with the cheese blend.
8Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9Then layer half of the pasta and cheese mixture over the sauce, followed by another cup of marinara sauce.
10Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce, making sure the top is covered with sauce.
11Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan evenly over the top of the dish.
12Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
13Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
14This allows the layers to set so the ziti holds its shape when you scoop it out.
15Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

🔧Equipment

Large pot for pasta
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella. This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve. Add a little extra marinara sauce if it seems dry before baking.

Watch Video Of How 5 Cheese Ziti Al Forno Works

This 5 cheese ziti al forno is a recipe I turn to again and again because it is so reliable and always gets rave reviews. Whether it is a holiday dinner, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night, this dish fits right in and makes everyone feel special.

The combination of five cheeses creates a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. For storing leftovers, let the dish cool completely then cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I like to use the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes to keep the top crispy.

You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick lunch. This recipe is a keeper for any home cook.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Cheese Ziti Al Forno

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The key is to use a pasta that holds up well to baking and has ridges or shapes that can catch the cheese sauce. Cook the pasta to al dente as directed to avoid it becoming mushy in the oven.

2. How do I store leftover 5 cheese ziti al forno?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or reheat the whole dish in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely, you can use gluten free ziti or any gluten free pasta shape. Make sure to check that all your cheeses and marinara sauce are certified gluten free as well. Cook the gluten free pasta according to the package directions, as it may have a different cooking time. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

4. What can I serve with 5 cheese ziti al forno?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also great for soaking up any extra sauce. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sauteed spinach to add color and nutrients to your meal.

5. Why is my ziti al forno dry after baking?

Dry ziti al forno usually happens when there is not enough sauce or the pasta was overcooked before baking. Make sure to use enough marinara sauce to coat the pasta and cheese mixture, and do not skimp on the sauce layer on top. Also, cook the pasta to al dente so it continues to absorb moisture in the oven without becoming dry. Covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking can help retain moisture.

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