Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
User Reviews
4.7
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Description
In Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, ziti pasta is cooked and combined with a béchamel-like sauce prepared by sautéing garlic in butter, adding flour, then whisking in half and half to thicken. A blend of Parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Romano cheeses melt into this sauce, creating a rich, layered flavor. Marinara sauce and Italian seasoning integrate tomato notes and herbal undertones.
The mixed pasta is transferred to a casserole dish, topped with mozzarella and a crunchy breadcrumb blend of panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Baking the dish allows the cheese to meld and the topping to brown, providing a pleasing contrast between creamy pasta and crisp crust.
This baked ziti dish suits occasions where a comforting, hearty meal is desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
Leftovers store well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, and the dish freezes up to one month. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight and reheating in the oven restores the creamy texture and topping crispness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup provolone cheese shredded
- ½ cup Romano cheese freshly grated
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet then add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir. Add the half and half and whisk well. Stir in the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, the sauce should thicken. Stir in all the cheeses but reserve ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning and stir well. Bring to a boil.
- Make topping: In a small bowl combine the breadcrumbs together with the butter, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce: Pour the sauce over the ziti and toss well. Transfer the pasta to a casserole dish, top with remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and then the panko topping.
- Bake: Transfer the casserole dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store leftover baked ziti in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freeze portions up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and baking anew.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 575 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 575kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1136mg | 47% |
| Potassium | 555mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1325IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 584mg | 58% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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