Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something comforting, delicious, and easy. That’s where Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno steps in! This isn’t your average pasta bake; it’s a symphony of five cheeses melding together in perfect harmony, creating a rich, flavorful experience that the whole family will love. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, healthy-ish because, well, cheese! -, and bursting with flavor that will leave you wanting more. My own family loves it and I’m sure that you wil also!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My Nonna Emilia, bless her cotton socks, used to make a simplified version of this dish every Sunday. The aroma would fill her tiny apartment, a beacon of love and warmth. While her recipe was delicious, this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno takes it to the next level with a more robust cheese blend and a quicker, more modern method. It’s a taste of my childhood, elevated for today’s busy kitchens. The tradition lives on!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Asiago cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil (if using).
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil (if using).
Notes
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