Name: Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup grated Romano cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish); Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

If you crave the ooey-gooiest, cheesiest baked pasta ever, Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is pure heaven! This dish is loaded with melted mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and a medley of other decadent cheeses, all enveloped in a garlicky tomato sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly crust.

What makes this dish truly unbeatable? It's dreamy, restaurant-worthy comfort food-ready in under an hour, using simple pantry staples! Whether you want a family-friendly weeknight dinner or an epic centerpiece for your next potluck, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Inspired by the classic Italian-American flavors at your favorite trattoria (looking at you, Olive Garden!), this casserole has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years. You'll fall head over heels for its creamy, savory layers and crave-worthy, crispy topping. Let's get baking!

Bubbling, golden cheesy ziti casserole in a white baking dish

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Cheese Lover's Dream: Five different cheeses create the ultimate gooey, melty, decadent bite every time.
Family-Friendly Classic: Both kids and adults will devour this comforting, satisfying pasta bake.
Great for Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance and bake when you're ready-perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Better Than Restaurant: Enjoy the cozy flavors of your favorite Italian chain, but homemade, fresher, and even cheesier!

Key Ingredients for Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ziti Pasta

This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for baked casseroles. Ziti holds sauces beautifully, and its shape makes for a great texture in every bite. If you can't find ziti, penne or rigatoni work just as well-just aim for a similarly shaped pasta to catch all that gooey cheese.

Marinara Sauce

A good-quality marinara brings all the tangy, herby flavor to the party. Use your favorite store-bought marinara to save time, or go with a homemade version for extra depth. Want a little kick? Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce!

The Five Cheeses

The heart of the dish! Mozzarella (for gooeyness), ricotta (for creaminess), parmesan (for nuttiness), provolone (for sharpness), and Romano (for bold, salty flavor) blend together perfectly. If you're short on one, double up on another-no problem! Asiago or fontina are also great swaps.

Heavy Cream

Adding a little cream gives the sauce that luscious, silky mouthfeel-don't skip it! If you prefer, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter effect, or go dairy-free with plain unsweetened oat creamer.

Italian Seasoning

A classic blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme adds aromatic punch and rounds out the tomato sauce. Mix in red pepper flakes for a dash of heat, or boost the savory vibe with a little fresh chopped basil.

Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno cooking process

Instructions for Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Ziti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain well and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, Romano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained ziti to the cheese sauce mixture. Toss well to ensure every noodle is generously coated with sauce and cheesy goodness.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining ½ cup mozzarella. Sprinkle this evenly over the top for a golden, crunchy crust.

Bake Until Bubbling

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden, and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Option

Make this cheesy family favorite gluten-free by swapping regular ziti for gluten-free pasta and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-friendly!

Meat Lover's Twist

For a heartier bake, stir in ½ pound of cooked Italian sausage or crumbled ground beef to the sauce before assembling. Pepperoni or pancetta also add wonderful depth and a little smoky bite.

Veggie-Loaded Delight

If you want to amp up the nutrition or clear out the fridge, try adding sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Fold these veggies into the pasta before baking for extra flavor, color, and fiber.

Lightened-Up Version

To make a lighter casserole, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, replace heavy cream with low-fat milk, and reduce the cheese quantity slightly. It'll still be creamy and satisfying!

Make It Spicy

Turn up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or a few spoonfuls of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce. Love a kick? Top with sliced hot cherry peppers before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette and plenty of warm garlic bread for swoon-worthy dipping. For a true trattoria experience, pair it with roasted vegetables or a classic antipasto platter to round out the meal. Don't forget a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ziti tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for 20-25 minutes. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, add a splash of marinara before reheating to keep the pasta creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent soggy pasta in a baked casserole?

A: Cook the pasta just until barely al dente (a little firm to the bite) so it doesn't turn mushy as it bakes with the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno?

A: Yes! Cool the baked casserole completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed for the best texture.

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that's easy, cheesy, and sure to draw rave reviews, this Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is the winner! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out-leave a rating and a comment below. Happy baking!