Description
A rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring ziti tossed in a blend of five cheeses and marinara sauce, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, tangy goat cheese, and flavorful provolone for an indulgent Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 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 Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the ziti later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prevent excess moisture.
- Mix Cheese and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, crumbled goat cheese, shredded provolone, marinara sauce, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked and drained ziti to the cheese and sauce mixture. Stir carefully to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful cheese blend.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a golden cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to the cheese mixture.
- You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if unavailable.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a crispier top, broil the ziti for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- If goat cheese is unavailable, feta or cream cheese can be used as alternatives.
