Description
To put it simply, this recipe is a luxurious, oven-baked pasta creation that elevates ordinary noodles into an extraordinary culinary experience. Unlike a standard baked ziti that only relies on a jar of simple marinara and a handful of shredded cheese, this specific version features a complex, multi-layered sauce system. It utilizes a combination of robust red sauce and elegant white cream sauce to create a beautiful, blush-colored base that is both bright and deeply savory.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
The Five Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, shredded
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, provolone, and Asiago cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
Keywords: baked five cheese ziti recipe, restaurant style baked ziti copycat, creamy italian five cheese pasta bake