Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. This crowd-pleasing baked pasta dish brings together a medley of melty cheeses, tender pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this dish during a family dinner at Olive Garden, and it quickly became my go-to order. When I discovered I could recreate it at home, it felt like unlocking a secret to restaurant-style magic. Let’s dive into this recipe so you can enjoy it any night of the week!

Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Get ready to fall head over heels for this cheesy, baked pasta masterpiece. Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a game-changer for pasta lovers, and this copycat recipe delivers all the same flavors without leaving home.

First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Second, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. The baked ziti can easily be doubled for a family gathering or frozen for future meals, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

Third, it’s all about the cheese! With five different cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano—every bite is a gooey, melty delight that’s impossible to resist.

Finally, this dish is highly customizable. Whether you want to add protein, veggies, or adjust the seasoning, the possibilities are endless, ensuring this recipe never gets old.

Once you try it, this ziti will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno lies in its blend of creamy, savory ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this iconic dish at home.

Ziti Pasta forms the base of the dish. Its tube-like shape holds onto the rich sauce and cheese for maximum flavor in every bite. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni works as great substitutes.

Marinara Sauce and Alfredo Sauce combine to create the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. For a shortcut, use your favorite store-bought brands, but homemade versions will elevate the dish even further.

Ricotta Cheese adds creaminess to the sauce and creates a smooth, luxurious texture. If you prefer a slightly less rich dish, you can substitute cottage cheese, but the result will be a bit different.

Shredded Mozzarella, Fontina, Parmesan, and Romano Cheeses form the cheesy topping that gives this dish its signature melty, golden crust. If you can’t find fontina, Monterey Jack makes a great alternative.

A pinch of Italian Seasoning brings all the flavors together. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is a fantastic addition.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish to assemble and bake the ziti, ensuring even cooking and that irresistible cheesy crust.

How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creating this indulgent baked ziti is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step so you can master it on your first try!

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just al dente. Be sure to drain it well to avoid a watery dish.

Next, prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina cheeses in a mixing bowl. Reserve some of the shredded cheeses for topping the dish later.

In a separate bowl, mix together your marinara and Alfredo sauces. This duo creates the ultimate creamy tomato sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the sauce mixture until every piece is well-coated. Then, fold in the cheese mixture to create a gooey, cheesy filling.

Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses on top to create a layer that will melt and turn golden brown during baking.

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

This dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (a big "if"), this ziti stores beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire dish in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Include veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions and add a healthy twist.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños will kick up the heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with cheeses: Swap out one or more of the cheeses for gouda, provolone, or even sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this dish—it’s hard to go wrong with a cheesy pasta bake!

Recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno right in your own kitchen. With its irresistible layers of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and golden cheese, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a cozy night at home, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion. Enjoy!

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