There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly baked pasta, it's a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home. Every bite is filled with rich, gooey cheese and a subtle hint of garlic that keeps you coming back for more.
I first tried this dish on a family outing and instantly fell in love. After several attempts to recreate it at home, I finally landed on this version that's quick, easy, and just as delicious. Let's dive in and discover why this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to indulge in a dish that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors all in one pan. This homemade take on Olive Garden's classic will win over your taste buds and your dinner guests.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. While it tastes like something you'd get at a restaurant, this recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The dish is also a crowd-pleaser. With five types of cheese melting into a luxurious sauce, even the pickiest eaters won't be able to resist. Plus, it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Another reason to love this recipe is its affordability. You can replicate the rich flavors of a restaurant meal without breaking the bank, using simple ingredients found at your local grocery store.
Finally, the baked finish gives it that irresistible golden crust. It's the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy pasta underneath and crispy, bubbly cheese on top.
Ingredients Notes
This recipe is all about the cheese, so choosing the right ingredients is key. Here's a closer look at what you'll need and why each ingredient matters.
The pasta is the base of the dish, and ziti is the classic choice. Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. If you don't have ziti, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes.
The cheese blend is the heart of this recipe. You'll need mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, parmesan, and romano cheese. Each one brings its own unique flavor and texture, creating a rich and complex sauce. For best results, grate your parmesan and romano fresh – it makes a world of difference.
The marinara sauce adds a tangy, savory base to balance the richness of the cheese. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make it from scratch if you have the time.
Heavy cream is used to create a luscious, creamy consistency. If you'd prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Don't forget garlic! A few cloves of freshly minced garlic add a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor. If you're short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch.
You'll also need a baking dish to layer and bake the pasta. A 9x13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Recreating this restaurant classic is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring the magic of Olive Garden to your table.
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, about one minute less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the ricotta cheese until it's smooth and creamy.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Pour half the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish and top with half of the mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and romano cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake the dish in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese time to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Storage Options
This dish is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. To store, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
If you're reheating from the fridge, add a splash of marinara sauce or cream to keep the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture, and remove the foil during the last few minutes for a bubbly top.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Swap out the marinara sauce for a spicy arrabbiata if you love a little heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version. Just be sure to check your marinara sauce and cheese labels, as some brands may contain gluten.
- Try different cheese combinations, like adding gouda or fontina for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian spin, toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added texture and flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version of this delicious dish. Happy cooking!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe is a deliciously creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish made with five types of cheese, marinara sauce, and a perfect blend of Italian seasonings. It's an easy-to-make restaurant favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
- ¼ cup Fontina cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until fully coated.
- Spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Fontina cheeses over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
- You can substitute the cheeses with similar ones like provolone or asiago if needed.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ⅙ of the recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
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