Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Five Cheese Baked Ziti. Featuring a harmonious blend of ziti pasta tossed in a savory tomato base and layered with a rich, molten mixture of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and fontina cheeses. This Italian-American classic delivers a golden, crispy top with a perfectly creamy center, making it the ideal centerpiece for family gatherings and crowd-pleasing dinners.
1 lb Ziti Pasta
24 oz Marinara Sauce
15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta
8 oz Fresh Mozzarella, hand-torn
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1 cup Provolone Cheese, shredded
1 cup Fontina Cheese, shredded
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until just before al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and return to the pot.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the parmesan, and the fontina cheese.
Mix one cup of marinara sauce into the cooked pasta to coat the strands evenly.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer half of the pasta, followed by the cheese mixture, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the pasta.
Top with the mozzarella, provolone, and remaining parmesan.
Bake for 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Ensure the ricotta is drained well to avoid a watery sauce. You can substitute ziti with penne if preferred. For the best melting results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/five-cheese-baked-ziti/