Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: A Decadent Baked Pasta Recipe

Craving a cheesy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than this Five Cheese Ziti al Forno recipe! This baked pasta is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining perfectly cooked ziti with a rich and creamy five-cheese sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to impress.

What is Ziti al Forno?

Ziti al Forno, which translates to “ziti baked in the oven,” is a classic Italian-American casserole. It’s essentially a baked pasta dish typically featuring ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese (usually ricotta and mozzarella), and sometimes meat. Our version takes it up a notch by incorporating five different cheeses, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor and creaminess.

Why This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe Works

• Five Cheese Extravaganza: Using a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Fontina creates a complex and satisfying cheese sauce that’s both creamy and flavorful. Each cheese contributes unique characteristics to the overall taste.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe is a great base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or vegetables to make it your own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the ziti al forno ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
• Comfort Food at Its Finest: This baked pasta is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying – everything you want in a comfort food dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ziti Pasta: The classic choice for ziti al forno. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor. Use whole milk ricotta for the best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, melty cheese pull. Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and savory flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
• Provolone Cheese: Contributes a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, melty texture.
• Fontina Cheese: Offers a nutty, buttery flavor and a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Forms the base of the dish and adds acidity. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Eggs: Help bind the ricotta cheese and create a richer texture.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
• Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the marinara sauce and adds a savory note.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and coating the pasta.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the dish to taste.

Detailed Recipe Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Five Cheese Ziti al Forno:

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese (reserve the other half for topping), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti al Forno

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Add the ricotta cheese mixture to the pasta and sauce, and gently combine until everything is well distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Cheese

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and Fontina cheese over the pasta layer.
4. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, Fontina cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti al Forno

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the final dish.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese greatly impacts the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for the best results.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Use a generous amount of salt – about a tablespoon per gallon of water.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the ziti al forno rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the cheese to set and prevents it from being too runny.
• Customize Your Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Asiago, Gruyere, or even a touch of Gorgonzola would be delicious additions.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the cheese mixture.
• Make it Meaty: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and add it to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the pasta mixture for a vegetarian version.
• Use a Good Quality Marinara Sauce: This is the base flavor of your dish, so using a good quality marinara will make a big difference.

Variations and Additions

This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Meat Lovers’ Ziti al Forno: Add browned Italian sausage, ground beef, or even shredded chicken to the pasta mixture for a meatier version.
• Vegetarian Ziti al Forno: Sauté your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, and add them to the pasta mixture.
• Spicy Ziti al Forno: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the cheese mixture for a touch of heat.
• Pesto Ziti al Forno: Swirl a few tablespoons of pesto into the marinara sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Four Cheese Ziti al Forno: Don’t have all five cheeses on hand? Simply omit one or two and adjust the quantities of the remaining cheeses accordingly.
• White Sauce Ziti al Forno: For a richer, creamier dish, replace the marinara sauce with a homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is always a good choice.
• Meatballs: Serve with a side of homemade or store-bought meatballs in marinara sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it perfect for entertaining. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the pasta, cheese mixture, and marinara sauce as directed in the recipe.
2. Assemble the ziti al forno in the baking dish, but do not bake it.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Five Cheese Ziti al Forno can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

You can also freeze the assembled ziti al forno for longer storage. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the pasta, cheese mixture, and marinara sauce as directed in the recipe.
2. Assemble the ziti al forno in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake it.
3. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
5. When ready to bake, thaw the ziti al forno in the refrigerator overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
10. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. In a large pot, saute the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce until evenly coated.
6. Add the ricotta cheese mixture to the pasta and sauce, and gently combine until well distributed.
7. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and Fontina cheese over the pasta layer.
10. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
11. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, Fontina cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
13. Bake for 20 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
15. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
17. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Enjoy Your Five Cheese Ziti al Forno!

This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly decadent and satisfying pasta experience!

Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag us! We love seeing your culinary masterpieces.

Keywords: ziti al forno, baked ziti, pasta bake, five cheese pasta, Italian-American cuisine, comfort food, pasta recipe, cheese recipe, easy dinner recipe, make-ahead meal, potluck dish, crowd-pleasing recipe