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Five Cheese Ziti Baked

A comforting and cheesy pasta dish, combining five different cheeses with ziti pasta and marinara sauce, baked to golden perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ziti pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with half and half or plant-based alternatives.
  • 15 oz Tomatoes Diced or crushed.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Balances the acidity of the marinara.
Cheese Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Fontina cheese Shredded.
  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend Grated.
Topping Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs For a crispy topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the tomatoes and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine everything well.
Assembling the Dish
  1. In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by half of your cheese blend: fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  2. Repeat the layers, finishing off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for that lovely crust.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
  2. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving, enhancing the flavors!

Notes

Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread. For a robust meal, pair with grilled chicken or a hearty vegetable medley. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.