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- 1 pound ziti pasta - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 3 cups marinara sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) To make Five Cheese Ziti, you need a mix of cheeses. The ricotta gives a creamy base. Mozzarella provides stretch, while parmesan adds sharpness. Gorgonzola brings a tangy kick, and cheddar gives a rich flavor. Combine these with ziti pasta for a hearty dish. Marinara sauce ties it together, making it rich and flavorful. - Alternative cheese choices - Homemade versus store-bought marinara sauce - Additional herbs or spices You can switch up the cheeses to suit your taste. Go for Fontina or goat cheese for a twist. If you have time, try making your own marinara. It adds a fresh touch. You can also add herbs or spices like red pepper flakes for heat. These small changes can elevate your dish even more. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it hot for baking. - In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta. Aim for an al dente texture. Drain it and set aside in a large mixing bowl. - In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden. - In your large mixing bowl, combine the drained ziti, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. - Pour in half of the marinara sauce from the skillet. Mix everything well to coat the pasta. - Spread a layer of the remaining marinara sauce in a large baking dish. This will be the base for your ziti. - Spoon half of the ziti mixture on top of the marinara. Spread it evenly. - Add half of the crumbled gorgonzola and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. - Pour another layer of marinara sauce over this first ziti layer. Then add the remaining ziti mixture on top. Spread it evenly again. - Top this layer with the rest of the marinara sauce. Make sure the ziti is covered. Finally, sprinkle the last bits of mozzarella, gorgonzola, cheddar, and parmesan cheese on top. - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes. This gives you a bubbly and golden-brown cheese top. - Let the ziti cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve hot. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To get a great cheese melt, choose the right cheese blend. My favorite mix includes mozzarella, ricotta, and gorgonzola. These cheeses melt well and give great flavor. Bake your ziti at 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps all the cheeses blend nicely. Cover with foil for the first part of baking, then remove it for a bubbly top. Avoid overcooked ziti by cooking it just until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package directions closely for the best results. Salting the water is key for flavor. Use about one tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This simple step makes a big difference in taste. Feel free to add more herbs or spices to boost flavor. Basil and oregano work well, but try adding red pepper flakes for heat. You can also customize your marinara sauce. Consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra depth. These tweaks make your dish even more delicious and unique. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of your ziti. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste and color. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses based on your preference. A blend of smoked gouda or fontina can add an interesting twist. Make Ahead: You can prepare the ziti in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cheese crust while baking. If it’s not browning as you’d like, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end for a golden finish. {{image_4}} You can swap cheeses in this recipe. Try gouda or fontina for a twist. These cheeses melt well and add a creamy texture. If you're vegan, use cashew cheese or a store-bought vegan blend. They work great and keep the dish tasty. Want to make it heartier? Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage. Brown the meat in a pan and mix it in before baking. You can also add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This gives more flavor and nutrients to your meal. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa pasta works well. Just watch the cooking time, as these may cook faster. Check the package for details. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheesy goodness! After enjoying your Five Cheese Ziti, store any leftovers for the next day. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out or absorbing other fridge smells. Your ziti can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you store it. To freeze your Five Cheese Ziti, first let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for added protection. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot throughout. If it's frozen, it may take about an hour. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in, then uncover for a nice crust at the end. Enjoy every cheesy bite! You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. It gives a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, try blended silken tofu. It will mimic the creaminess well. If you want a thicker mix, blend the tofu with a bit of lemon juice. This helps add a fresh flavor. Yes, you can prep it a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps with even cooking. For reheating, cover it with foil initially. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncover for 10 more minutes. This keeps the cheese nice and melty. Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for a kick. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder. Pair these spices with fresh herbs like cilantro for a unique taste. Five Cheese Ziti is a fun and easy dish to make. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips to help you succeed. You can mix different cheeses and customize the recipe. Storing leftovers is simple, and we even shared answers to common questions. I hope you feel ready to create your own cheesy ziti masterpiece. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative!

Five Cheese Ziti Delight

A rich and cheesy baked ziti dish featuring five types of cheese and a flavorful marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.5 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  • In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a spacious skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, introduce the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  • In your large mixing bowl, combine the drained ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated parmesan. Pour in half of the marinara sauce from the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the cheese and sauce.
  • In a large baking dish, spread a generous layer of the remaining marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
  • Next, spoon half of the ziti mixture on top of the marinara layer. Spread it out evenly to create a nice first layer.
  • Sprinkle half of the gorgonzola and cheddar cheese across this first layer of ziti.
  • Pour a layer of marinara sauce over the first ziti layer before adding the remaining ziti mixture on top, spreading it evenly once again.
  • Top this final layer with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring the ziti is generously coated. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella, gorgonzola, cheddar, and parmesan cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Once the ziti is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set. Slice into generous portions and serve hot. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in individual portions and garnish with fresh basil for a gourmet touch.
Keyword baked ziti, cheese, Italian, pasta