5 cheese ziti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best 5 cheese ziti recipe

I’ve been making this 5 cheese ziti recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated from Italy, where ziti is a popular pasta shape. I love how the five different cheeses come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese.

I like to use a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, provolone, and cheddar for the perfect blend of flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. My kids love helping me make it, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese in the fridge.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins. For example, you could add some cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to make it healthier.

Or, you could use different types of cheese or pasta shapes to mix things up. Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes. The cheese sauce may seem indulgent, but it’s actually made with low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese. And because we’re using so many different cheeses, we’re getting a good amount of protein and calcium from each serving.

Of course, the best part about this recipe is how delicious it is! When you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to Italy itself. The flavors are so rich and satisfying that you’ll want to make this dish over and over again. So if you’re looking for a new pasta recipe to try out, give this 5 cheese ziti recipe a shot!

Your taste buds will thank you.

5 Cheese Ziti

4.8 from 1665 votes

A rich and creamy baked ziti featuring a blend of five cheeses. This hearty pasta dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
8Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
10Season with salt and black pepper.
11Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, provolone, 1/2 cup Parmesan, Gorgonzola, egg, and fresh parsley.
13Mix until well blended.
14Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir to coat evenly.
15Then pour the meat sauce over the pasta and gently fold until combined.
16Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
17Spread it into an even layer.
18Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
19Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
20For a golden top, switch to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
21Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
22Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add a cup of sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also substitute the Gorgonzola with feta cheese for a milder flavor.

Watch Video Of How 5 Cheese Ziti Works

This 5 cheese ziti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

It’s easy to make ahead and reheat when needed, making it perfect for busy families like mine.

My kids love helping me make it and eating the finished product – they always get excited when they see the five different cheeses come together on their plate.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Cheese Ziti

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, provolone, and cheddar for the perfect blend of flavors.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While ziti is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute in other long-strand pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine.

Q: How do I store leftover 5 cheese ziti?

Store leftover 5 cheese ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I reheat 5 cheese ziti in the microwave?

Yes! To reheat 5 cheese ziti in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.

Q: How do I freeze 5 cheese ziti?

To freeze 5 cheese ziti, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

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