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Creamy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creamy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti mixed with a luscious blend of five cheeses, savory tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, this meal offers a creamy texture with a delicious cheesy crust, perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz good-quality ziti pasta

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for topping
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) blended with Italian seasoning and black pepper

Tomato Sauce and Flavorings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers (optional)
  • 0.5 cup smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ziti Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh basil. Simmer gently until the sauce is rich and well developed.
  3. Combine Cheeses and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), the spiced shredded mozzarella blend, and some of the tomato sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Layer with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish by covering with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for a golden crust.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use good quality shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for best melting and creamy texture.
  • Cook pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
  • Apple cider vinegar balances the cheese richness and brightens the sauce flavors.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
  • Fresh basil or oregano enhances aroma and freshness against the creamy cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: ziti, baked pasta, five cheese, creamy, mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce, comfort food, vegetarian

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/creamy-five-cheese-ziti-al-forno/