There's nothing quite like a piping hot plate of Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno to bring the flavors of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. This hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish is loaded with a luscious blend of cheeses, tender ziti, and a rich, flavorful sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.

I first discovered this recipe when trying to recreate one of my go-to comfort foods at home. Now, it's a family favorite that brings everyone running to the dinner table. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving for cheesy, baked pasta goodness.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to make your taste buds sing with this decadent Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. Hereโs why itโs about to become a staple in your home-cooked meal rotation:
First off, it's packed with flavor. With five different cheesesโmozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontinaโyou get an indulgent, melty, and creamy texture that makes every bite unforgettable.
This recipe is also incredibly easy to make. Whether youโre an experienced cook or a beginner, the straightforward steps mean youโll have dinner ready in under an hour.
Itโs a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids love the gooey cheese, and adults canโt resist the robust tomato sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta.
Best of all, this dish is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of warm garlic bread for an authentic Italian dining experience.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this dish comes from its combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Letโs take a closer look at what youโll need:
- Ziti Pasta: The star of the dish, ziti is ideal for baked pasta recipes because its tubular shape holds onto the rich sauce and melted cheese perfectly. If you canโt find ziti, penne is a great substitute.
- Five Cheeses: The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina creates a cheesy masterpiece. Each cheese contributes a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality store-bought marinara or make your own for even more flavor. A robust, slightly sweet marinara balances the richness of the cheese.
- Heavy Cream: This adds a velvety texture to the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy without being too heavy.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes bring a burst of flavor that ties the dish together.
- Breadcrumbs: A topping of seasoned breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the gooey cheese.
No special equipment is neededโjust a large pot for boiling the pasta, a skillet for the sauce, and a baking dish to bring it all together in the oven.
How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Creating this indulgent baked pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to make restaurant-quality Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at home:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in a cup of heavy cream and your marinara sauce, whisking until combined. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Layers: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of your cheese blend (mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina). Add the sauce and mix until every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy, creamy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the top, followed by a generous layer of seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Broil for a Golden Crust: Bake the dish at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 20 minutes, then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust.
The result? A bubbling, cheesy masterpiece thatโs ready to serve hot out of the oven.
Storage Options
This dish is perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Hereโs how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked ziti for up to 2 months. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier version of the dish.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeรฑos to the sauce.
No matter how you customize it, this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Whip up this restaurant-inspired dish for your next family dinner or special occasion, and watch as everyone digs in for seconds. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors will leave everyone asking for the recipeโand itโs up to you whether to share your secret!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
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This copycat Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe combines five decadent cheeses with tender ziti pasta, a flavorful marinara, and creamy alfredo sauce. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you're craving comfort food, this dish is simple to prepare and full of authentic Italian flavors.
- 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
- 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add cooked ziti to the sauce mixture, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over the top layer of cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute penne for ziti if unavailable.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: โ of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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