Irresistible Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe at Home

Comfort meets culinary magic in this incredible five cheese ziti al forno that promises pure deliciousness.

Pasta lovers will adore this creamy, bubbling Italian classic straight from olive garden’s kitchen.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of melted cheeses and robust marinara sauce.

Sophisticated yet simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your dining table.

Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, romano, and asiago create a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

FAQs

• What are the five cheeses used in this recipe?

The five cheeses are mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Romano, and ricotta.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Ziti is traditional, but you can substitute with penne or rigatoni for similar results.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat ingredients.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking for extra heat.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno – Crowd Pleaser

• Indulge in Cheesy Comfort: A luxurious pasta dish packed with five different cheeses that melts in your mouth, creating a creamy and rich dining experience.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that allow anyone to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: An impressive main course that feeds multiple people, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that lets you adjust ingredients or add protein like chicken or ground beef to suit personal taste preferences.

Five Cheese Ziti Ingredients List

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that holds sauce well and creates a delightful texture in this baked dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that provides a rich and tangy base for the recipe.
• Alfredo Sauce: A creamy white sauce that adds luxurious richness to the pasta dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese: A decadent combination of cheeses that creates a melty, flavorful, and creamy texture throughout the ziti.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: A crispy topping that adds a golden brown crust and extra texture to the baked ziti.

Steps For Cheesy Ziti Al Forno Success

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil ziti pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce Blend

• Marinara sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Whisk everything together until you have a creamy, aromatic sauce.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Gently fold the cooked ziti into the sauce mixture, ensuring every pasta piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Layer First Cheese Landscape

Transfer half the saucy pasta into the prepared baking dish.

• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• Parmesan
• Romano

Step 6: Complete the Cheesy Masterpiece

Add the remaining pasta on top, then crown it with the rest of the cheese blend.

Step 7: Add Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter this golden mixture across the top of the dish.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy excitement.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the ziti to cool for 5 minutes.

This helps the cheeses set and makes serving easier.

Dive into your homemade restaurant-style comfort food!

Tips For Ultimate Five Cheese Ziti

• Select high-quality marinara and Alfredo sauces for richer, more authentic flavor.
• Cook ziti exactly to al dente to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Layer cheeses evenly and use freshly grated varieties for smoother, more consistent melting.
• Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter thoroughly and sprinkle lightly for a golden, crunchy finish.
• Allow dish to rest 5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.

Ziti Al Forno Flavor Additions

• Gluten-Free Ziti Delight: Replace regular ziti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute marinara sauce with a plant-based protein sauce and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap ziti pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Swap: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, and replace dairy-based Alfredo sauce with a cashew cream sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Ziti Al Forno Beautifully

• Party Plate Perfection: Serve this ziti with a crisp side salad topped with Italian vinaigrette for a complete restaurant-style meal.
• Cozy Family Feast: Pair with warm garlic breadsticks and a light red wine to create a comforting dinner experience that everyone will love.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy Italian sausage on top for extra protein and a hearty twist to the cheesy pasta dish.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the rich cheese flavors.

Storage For Cheesy Ziti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer ziti to freezer-safe containers, sealing completely. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese topping.

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Olive Garden’s five cheese ziti al forno brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, melted cheeses and hearty pasta. Creamy layers promise a delightful meal you can savor with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a creamy sauce base by whisking together marinara, Alfredo, ricotta, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently fold the cooked ziti into the sauce mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the flavorful blend.
5. Transfer half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish, creating an initial layer across the bottom of the pan.
6. Generously distribute a medley of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses over the first pasta layer, covering the surface evenly.
7. Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese layer, creating a second substantial pasta tier.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter the mixture uniformly over the cheese-topped pasta.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
11. Remove from oven and allow the ziti to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious texture and flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar to create unique personal twists on the classic recipe.
• Enhance the protein content by adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the cheese set and make serving easier, preventing a runny consistency.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 448 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg