Description
A comforting and flavorful Four Cheese Baked Ziti featuring tender ziti pasta mixed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola cheeses, combined with savory marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. This hearty Italian-inspired casserole makes a perfect family dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup), parmesan cheese, and crumbled gorgonzola. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Sauce: Pour the simmered marinara sauce over the pasta and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup) on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute gorgonzola with blue cheese or omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead of time to save on cooking time.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, replace ziti pasta with gluten-free pasta.
