Description
This hearty baked ziti blends marinara with five melty cheeses for a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup shredded fontina cheese
1 tsp dried basil (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Heat Sauce: Warm olive oil in a skillet. Add marinara, basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Mix Pasta & Cheese: In a large bowl, mix pasta with sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and fontina.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 dish. Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes.
Broil (Optional): Remove foil and broil 2–3 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool briefly, then garnish with extra cheese or herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a meaty twist.
Use penne or rigatoni as a ziti substitute.
Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American