There’s something undeniably comforting about pasta, especially when it’s loaded with cheese, baked to golden perfection, and served bubbling hot from the oven. Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a dish that perfectly captures that indulgent, homey feeling. With layers of five different cheeses combined with tender ziti pasta and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is one of the most beloved items on their menu.
But you don’t have to visit Olive Garden every time you crave it. You can now recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen with this foolproof Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat recipe! This dish is not only easy to make but is also perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients for the Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat
To recreate the Olive Garden magic, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Ziti Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup provolone cheese (shredded or sliced into thin strips)
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat
Now that we have the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these easy steps to prepare the perfect Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture (firm but cooked through). This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and alfredo sauce until fully combined. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of spice), and stir until everything is well incorporated. This blend of marinara and alfredo gives the dish a unique creamy and tangy flavor that makes it so special.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheese. Mix them together until you have a smooth and creamy cheese blend. This five-cheese mixture is the heart of the dish, delivering that rich, cheesy goodness with every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta with Sauce and Cheese
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your cooked ziti and mix it with the prepared marinara-alfredo sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Then, fold in half of the cheese mixture, ensuring that it gets evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In a large casserole dish, pour in the pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it out evenly. Take the remaining cheese mixture and spoon it over the top, spreading it out in a thin, even layer. This cheese topping will melt and turn beautifully golden during baking, creating that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Add the Topping
To give the dish that signature crunch, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and mozzarella cheese for the topping. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the ziti. The topping adds a lovely contrast in texture to the creamy cheese and tender pasta.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with the aroma of melted cheese and baked pasta.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the ziti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno hot, straight from the oven, and watch as your family or guests dig into this cheesy, comforting dish.
Tips for Making the Best Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
To ensure your Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno turns out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Homemade Sauce: While store-bought marinara and alfredo sauces work perfectly for this recipe, you can elevate the dish by making your own sauces from scratch. A homemade sauce often adds a deeper, more robust flavor.
- Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: While the five-cheese combo listed here mirrors Olive Garden’s version, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, gouda, or even a smoky cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
What makes this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno different from regular baked ziti? The combination of five different cheeses along with the blend of marinara and alfredo sauce sets this dish apart. It creates a creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavor that’s unique to Olive Garden’s version.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, if you don’t have ziti, you can use other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I freeze Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) ziti. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
What side dishes go well with Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno? This hearty pasta dish pairs well with a light green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! The recipe as written is already vegetarian-friendly. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top? To avoid burning the cheese topping, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover for the remaining time to allow the top to brown.
Conclusion
With this copycat recipe, you can now enjoy Olive Garden’s famous Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s so simple to make that it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!