Description
This creamy and comforting Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is a baked Italian pasta dish featuring layers of tender ziti coated in a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, goat cheese, and provolone cheeses combined with flavorful marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a delicious family meal or crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the ziti later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix the Cheese and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, crumbled goat cheese, shredded provolone, marinara sauce, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful cheese mixture.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked and drained ziti pasta to the cheese and sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is well coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the ziti mixture into the dish evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a bubbly cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle and enhances flavor blending.
Notes
- For a crispier top, you can broil the ziti for the last 2-3 minutes of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake it straight from the fridge, adding extra baking time as needed.
- Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or feta if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to drain pasta very well to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning for the best aromatic flavor, or mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
