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Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a cozy Italian dish that combines pasta and a blend of cheeses in a comforting sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Ziti Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or penne
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade, best quality
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can replace with half-and-half
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Omit if marinara is already sweet
For the Cheesy Blend
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Blend A mix of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago
  • 1 cup Fontina Cheese Alternatives include Monterey Jack or Gruyère
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Use part-skim for a lighter option
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Crouted bread can be used for flavor variation

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta, cooking until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, letting it sit while you prepare the sauce.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes, then add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Stir to mix, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once heated, add half of the Parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  3. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup. Layer the cooked ziti evenly in the dish, pouring the creamy Cheese Ziti Al Forno sauce over it, ensuring every piece is covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs on top.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the edges bubble and the center is heated through. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. Once out of the oven, let the Cheese Ziti Al Forno sit for a few minutes to set before serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal. For make-ahead options, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.

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