Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a mouthwatering Italian-American classic that brings together the best of creamy cheeses and al dente pasta. This baked ziti recipe combines five different cheeses with tender pasta and savory marinara sauce for a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, it features mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for sharpness, ricotta for creaminess, provolone for depth, and fontina for nuttiness. The result is a golden, bubbly casserole that satisfies every cheese craving. Simple to prepare ahead and bake when ready, this recipe uses everyday ingredients yet tastes gourmet. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete dinner everyone will love. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep too.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe: Creamy Five Cheese Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, fontina, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce and cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Tips
- Shred your own cheese for superior melting and flavor.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.