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Easy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

Sarah Brown
Ready to experience cheesy bliss? Allow me to take you on a journey into the world of Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. This dish is a cheese lover’s dream, bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups creamy alfredo sauce
  • 4 cups rich marinara sauce
  • ½ cup Fontina cheese shredded (for a mild, buttery flavor)
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture

For the Topping:

  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust
  • ¼ cup Romano cheese grated
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano adds an aromatic, herby touch
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a subtle heat boost

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente. You want the pasta slightly firm since it’ll continue to cook in the oven later. This usually takes around 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the alfredo sauce and marinara sauce. Stir them together until they form a beautiful orange hue. This is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheeses

  • In another bowl, blend together the ricotta, Fontina, and half of the mozzarella. This cheesy mixture will add creaminess to our dish. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

  • Once the pasta has cooled slightly, coat it with the sauce mixture. Add the cheesy blend and mix until every ziti piece is enveloped in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

  • Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Create the Topping

  • In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, Romano, and Parmesan cheese. Mix together until fully combined. This is the crunchy topping that takes it to the next level!

Step 7: Top the Pasta

  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta. Next, add the remaining mozzarella on top. It’s okay to be generous with this; we want that gooey goodness!

Step 8: Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the ziti for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This waiting period will allow the flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your Five Cheese Ziti al Forno turns out perfect:
  • Pre-cook Your Pasta: Undercook your ziti slightly. It will soften more as it bakes.
  • Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged options.
  • Adjust the Spices: Feel free to add more spices to your taste preferences. Additional herbs can enhance flavors.
  • Experiment with Sauces: Taste your sauces before mixing. You might want to adjust the ratio of alfredo to marinara.
  • Baking Dish Matters: A glass baking dish allows you to see the bubbling goodness, while a metal pan provides a more even heat distribution.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 25gFat: 25gFiber: 3g
Keyword Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
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