Description
Rich layers of melted cheeses elevate this five cheese ziti al forno into a comfort classic straight from Italian kitchens. Creamy ricotta, sharp provolone, and three additional cheeses create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Base:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the ziti.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with sautéed onions and garlic. Fold in ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Pour marinara sauce over the mixture and season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture, spreading it uniformly across the dish.
- Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and golden-brown breadcrumbs as indicators of doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor and melting potential, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
- Pasta Texture Trick: Cook ziti slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta and maintaining a perfect bite.
- Breadcrumb Enhancement: Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing with olive oil to intensify their nutty flavor and crispiness.
- Dietary Modification: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free ziti and use lactose-free cheese alternatives to accommodate gluten and dairy restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg