5 cheese ziti recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best 5 cheese ziti recipe

I have been making this 5 cheese ziti recipe for years and it is always a hit with my family. The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, provolone, and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

My kids ask for this dish at least once a week and I am happy to oblige because it is so easy to put together. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

It also works great for potlucks and family gatherings because it feeds a crowd and everyone loves it. The best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you are ready to eat.

I love that this dish uses simple ingredients that I usually have on hand. The five cheeses melt together beautifully and create a sauce that is creamy without being too heavy.

You can also add some vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost the nutrition and make it a more balanced meal. This 5 cheese ziti is a great way to get your family to eat more protein and calcium.

Each serving has about 15 grams of protein and a good amount of calcium from all the cheese. I feel good serving this to my family because it is filling and delicious and they always clean their plates.

5 Cheese Ziti

4.6 from 726 votes

A creamy and cheesy baked ziti made with five different cheeses. This dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks and comes together quickly.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Topping

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
3Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
5In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
7Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
8The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
9Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, ricotta, provolone, 2 cups of mozzarella, and 1 cup of parmesan.
10Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Combine the cooked ziti with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
14Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
15Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of parmesan over the top of the ziti.
16Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
17Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
18This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

You can substitute low fat cheeses to reduce the calorie count. For a gluten free version, use gluten free pasta and flour.

Watch Video Of How 5 Cheese Ziti Works

This 5 cheese ziti is a recipe that I turn to again and again because it is so reliable and delicious. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.

I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to round out the meal. For leftovers, I recommend reheating individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until hot.

If you are reheating the whole dish, cover it with foil and warm it in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings because it is easy to make ahead and feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Cheese Ziti

1. Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some of the cheeses with others you have on hand. For example, you can use fontina instead of provolone or cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Just make sure to keep the total amount of cheese the same for the best texture.

2. How do I store leftover 5 cheese ziti?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can assemble the ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.

4. What can I serve with 5 cheese ziti?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a more complete meal.

5. Is this recipe gluten free?

This recipe is not gluten free as written because it uses regular pasta and flour. However, you can easily make it gluten free by using gluten free pasta and a gluten free all purpose flour blend for the sauce.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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