Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish that combines ziti pasta with a creamy and savory blend of five cheeses. The dish typically includes mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheeses, creating a gooey, melty texture with layers of flavor. The ziti is often tossed in a robust tomato sauce or creamy Alfredo, then baked until golden and bubbly. This Italian American classic is a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a main course for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying and cheesy experience in every bite.
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
TOPPING:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Minced fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente, drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, combine the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup mozzarella and the ricotta, provolone and Romano. Cook over medium heat until sauce begins to simmer, and cheeses are melted. Stir in cooked pasta; pour mixture into a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, stir together Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic and olive oil, sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake, uncovered, until mixture is bubbly, and topping is golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 21gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 960mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11g
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