Description
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a rich and creamy Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring a luscious blend of marinara and Alfredo sauces combined with a decadent mix of five cheeses. Cooked al dente ziti pasta is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, baked to bubbly golden perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley for a comforting and impressive main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauces
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded Fontina cheese
- ½ cup shredded Romano cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara and Alfredo sauces, stirring until smooth and well blended. Add the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and Romano cheeses to the sauce mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and flavorful cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta gently into the cheese and sauce mixture, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy blend for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat, preparing it for baking the pasta casserole.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the pasta mixture into it. Optionally, sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake the Pasta: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly golden brown, indicating the cheese has melted perfectly and the dish is heated through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta if ziti is unavailable; the shape will work similarly in this recipe.
- For a meatier variation, add cooked Italian sausage or browned ground beef to the cheese and sauce mixture before baking.
- Using pre-shredded Italian cheese blends can save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
