This cheesy ziti al forno packs a punch with five different cheeses. It’s creamy, hearty, and topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs that makes every bite extra special!
When I make this, I can’t help but sneak spoonfuls straight from the dish. Who can resist all that melted cheese? It’s a guaranteed win for dinner! 🧀🤤
What I love most is how easy it is to put together. Just mix the pasta with the cheesy goodness, bake it, and watch everyone come running. It’s the cheesiest comfort food around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: This recipe uses ziti pasta for its perfect tubes to hold onto the sauce and cheese. If ziti isn’t available, you can easily swap it with penne or rigatoni. Both work great in baked pasta dishes!
Cheese: The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Romano creates a rich flavor profile. If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter touch and get creative with cheese options like cheddar or gouda!
Olive Oil: Here, olive oil is used for sautéing. Feel free to use vegetable oil, butter, or even avocado oil if you want a different taste or if olive oil isn’t handy. I often swap it based on what I have on hand.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce would be fantastic, but store-bought works well too. If you’re looking to make it spicier, try a spicy arrabbiata sauce or add red pepper flakes to the marinara.
Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, you can replace regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether for a lighter dish.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Onions and Garlic?
Getting the onions and garlic just right is key to enhancing the flavors in this dish. Sautéing them properly can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple!
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook until they are soft and slightly golden, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 more minute until fragrant; garlic cooks quickly, so watch it closely to avoid browning.
This slow and steady technique allows the onions to sweeten and the garlic to blossom in flavor, making your ziti even more delicious!
How to Make Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for baking, totaling around 45 minutes. You’ll have a delicious, cheesy meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your ziti!
2. Cook the Ziti Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This will add fantastic flavor to your dish!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed onion and garlic. Next, add the ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, Romano cheeses, marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. It should be cheesy and delicious!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray, then transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. This will help them get nice and crispy. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
7. Bake and Finish:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to see the cheese bubbling and the breadcrumbs turning golden brown. It will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, just like the delicious version from Olive Garden!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti pasta is traditional for this dish, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even any shape you prefer. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions until al dente for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have All Five Cheeses?
No worries! If you’re missing one of the cheeses, you can replace it with an equal amount of a similar cheese. For example, if you’re out of provolone, you could use more mozzarella or even a soft cheese like goat cheese for a unique flavor. Just keep the total cheese quantity the same!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
