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Homemade Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno photo

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is pure comfort! A cheesy delight with five different cheeses that will melt in your mouth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ziti:
  • 1 pound ziti the perfect pasta shape to hold all that cheesy goodness
  • 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups marinara sauce the perfect tomato base
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Provolone cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup Romano cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, melted)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Cooking Steps:
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour, cooking for another minute until golden. Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella, Provolone, and Romano cheeses until well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the cheese sauce. Stir in the marinara sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the ziti.
  6. Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone gathering around.
  7. Allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out to your friends and family, and watch it disappear as everyone revels in the cheesy goodness of this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno!

Notes

  • Let the ziti cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
  • For longer storage, freeze the ziti and it can last for about 2-3 months.
  • Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.