Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This iconic dish combines tender pasta, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a golden-brown breadcrumb topping for the ultimate indulgence.

this Recipe

I first tried this recipe at home when I was craving the rich, savory taste of Olive Garden without leaving my kitchen. It’s now a favorite for family dinners and gatherings, thanks to its irresistible flavor and easy preparation. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this restaurant classic at home.

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

Get ready to bring the flavors of your favorite Italian-American restaurant to your table. This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers everywhere.

First, it’s unbelievably rich and creamy. The blend of five cheeses melts into a luscious sauce that perfectly coats each piece of pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest!

It’s also incredibly simple to make. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a professional kitchen.

One of the best things about this recipe is how family-friendly it is. Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness, and you can even tweak the ingredients to suit picky eaters.

Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for a stress-free dinner that’s as fresh as it is delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a role in delivering the rich, satisfying flavors we all love.

Ziti pasta is the base of this dish. Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. You can substitute penne or rigatoni if needed.

The five-cheese blend is the star of the show. A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses creates the ultimate creamy and melty texture. Don’t skip any of these – together, they create that authentic Olive Garden taste.

Marinara sauce adds a robust tomato base. Choose a high-quality store-bought option or make your own for an extra layer of flavor.

Heavy cream is essential for the velvety texture of the sauce. It’s rich and indulgent, but you can swap it for half-and-half if you want to lighten things up a bit.

Finally, the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Mix seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and a little melted butter for a golden, crispy layer.

You’ll also need a baking dish and a large pot for cooking the pasta. A broiler is optional but highly recommended for achieving that perfect bubbly topping.

How to Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creating this decadent pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses with a cup of marinara sauce and a splash of heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture, making sure every piece is coated. Transfer the pasta and sauce to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Top the pasta with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle generously with seasoned breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with melted butter for a golden, crunchy topping.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are crispy. For an extra golden finish, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Storage Options

This dish is perfect for leftovers, and it reheats beautifully!

To store, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce if needed to revive the creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative!

For a protein boost, add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken to the pasta before baking.

Want a veggie-packed version? Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.

If you’re watching your calories, substitute low-fat ricotta and mozzarella, and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prefer a spicier kick? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to impress!

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