Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. This dish combines the rich flavors of multiple cheeses with hearty pasta and luscious sauces, making it a simple yet impressive meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With a blend of cheesy goodness, this recipe is not only satisfying but also highly customizable to suit your palate.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 400
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Why Make Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, providing a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein from the various cheeses, this recipe can be made healthier with reduced-fat options, like ricotta and mozzarella. It’s also incredibly versatile; feel free to add in vegetables or your favorite proteins, making it a meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds (about 7-1/2 cups) uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: Minced fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, and Romano cheeses. Stir and cook until the sauce begins to simmer and the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese and sauce mixture until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well to form the topping mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb topping evenly over the mozzarella layer. Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with minced fresh parsley or basil if desired for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Serve your Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe with a fresh garden salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a light marinara sauce for drizzling or a creamy garlic dipping sauce for the bread. Enjoying this dish with a glass of red wine can elevate the experience even further.
How to Store Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
To store your Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. For reheating, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap well and it can be kept for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Expert Tips for Cooking Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more nuanced flavor profile.
- Feel free to mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper or cooked Italian sausage.
- Make ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.
- Don’t skip letting it cool for a few minutes before serving; it will slice better.
Delicious Variations of Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- For a spicy version, add sliced jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage into the mix.
- Create a herbed version by adding fresh basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning to the cheese sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
Five-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal. This dish balances savory flavors with a touch of creaminess, creating a perfect blend that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s a standout option for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Five-Cheese Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, and Romano cheeses.
- Stir and cook until the sauce begins to simmer and the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese and sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer this mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well to form the topping mixture.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb topping evenly over the mozzarella layer.
- Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with minced fresh parsley or basil if desired.
