Craving a comforting pasta dish loaded with cheese? This Five-Cheese Ziti Bake is like a warm embrace on your plate, combining the rich flavors of various cheeses with perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, it transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Imagine a baked pasta dish with layers of gooey cheese, zesty marinara sauce, and tender pasta, all baked to perfection. This recipe is easy to whip up and will make your kitchen smell heavenly. It’s a nostalgic meal that evokes memories of dining out, but now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for a satisfying meal, this five-cheese ziti pasta bake is sure to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Delightfully Cheesy Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is a comforting masterpiece, featuring the rich flavors of five different cheeses.
With layers of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and provolone, it transforms a simple dish into an indulgent feast.
The creamy texture blends seamlessly with the pasta, delivering a satisfying bite in every forkful.
A Hearty Meal Experience
Imagine sitting down to a warm, bubbling pasta bake, fresh from the oven.
The golden crust of melted cheese beckons, promising a delicious meal that fills the room with inviting aromas.
The dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but a treat for the eyes, especially when garnished with fresh basil.
Perfect for Gatherings
This dish shines at family gatherings or casual dinners with friends.
Its generous portion size means there’s plenty for everyone, sparking smiles and conversation around the table.
Serving it alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad adds variety and balance to the meal.
Simple Preparation
Making this cheesy ziti bake is straightforward, even for novice cooks.
With just a few basic steps—cooking pasta, mixing cheeses, and layering—you can create a comforting dish that appears as if it took hours to prepare.
The pre-baking preparation time is minimal, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests.
Versatile Flavor Combinations
While this recipe is cherished for its five-cheese blend, feel free to personalize it.
Incorporate your favorite herbs, spices, or additional ingredients like sautéed vegetables or protein.
This versatility ensures that every batch can reflect your unique taste preferences.
A Family Favorite
Once you bring this creamy, cheesy pasta bake to the table, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes each serving a delightful experience.
Prepare for requests for seconds and the hope that leftovers make it to the fridge!
Delightfully Cheesy Pasta Bake
This Five-Cheese Ziti Pasta Bake combines the flavors of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and provolone cheeses into a creamy, cheesy delight. The dish is rich and hearty, with a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of parmesan, fontina, provolone, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, then add half of the ziti pasta. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of marinara sauce and the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the marinara and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g