Baked Four Cheese Ziti

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3 In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. 4 In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
5. 5 Add a layer of ziti, followed by a layer of cheese mixture, and repeat until ingredients are used up, ending with cheese on top.
6. 6 Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
7. 7 Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. 8 Let stand for 10 minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Variations

• Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty version.
• Substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni.

Substitutions

• If fontina is unavailable, use another semi-soft cheese like provolone or Swiss.
• Use Greek yogurt for a lighter ricotta alternative.

Pairings

• Caesar Salad
• Garlic Bread

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, toast the garlic in olive oil before adding to the cheese mixture.
• This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered with foil at 350°F until hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pairs well with a crisp white wine.

FAQ