Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – Copycat Recipe
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno copycat recipe brings together the best of Italian comfort food in one delicious, melty dish.
With a perfect blend of marinara and Alfredo sauces, five kinds of cheeses, and a golden, crispy panko topping, this bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy all that cheesy goodness without the hassle.
Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering – just trust us, it’s worth every bite!
For the Pasta
- Ziti Pasta – The heart of the dish, providing the perfect base for all the cheesy goodness.
- Marinara Sauce – A rich tomato sauce that adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Alfredo Sauce – Creamy and buttery, it balances out the marinara for that indulgent, comforting texture.
- Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy, smooth texture and richness to the dish.
- Fontina Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
For the Topping
- Mozzarella Cheese – This is the cheese that gets golden and bubbly, adding that irresistible melted cheese layer.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides the crispy crunch on top.
- Romano Cheese – Offers a tangy, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the cheese topping.
- Garlic – Adds a fragrant, savory note to the topping mix.
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pasta- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta for 1 minute less than the time recommended on the package. Drain the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, and Fontina cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories: 713 kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1827mg | Potassium: 732mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1202 IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 435mg | Iron: 3mg
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the ziti a day ahead of time. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as usual. If needed, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How do I get that perfect golden brown cheese topping?
For a golden, crispy top, try broiling the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning! You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! Penne is a great substitute for ziti as it holds the sauce just as well. You can also experiment with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or cavatappi.
- Is it possible to freeze the assembled dish?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked ziti. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the time.
- Can I use store-bought sauces to save time?
Absolutely! Using high-quality store-bought marinara and Alfredo sauces will save you time while still delivering great flavor. Just make sure to choose a brand you really like for the best results.
