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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- Gently fold the cooked ziti into the sauce mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the flavorful blend.
- Transfer half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish, creating an initial layer across the bottom of the pan.
- Generously distribute a medley of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses over the first pasta layer, covering the surface evenly.
- Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese layer, creating a second substantial pasta tier.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter the mixture uniformly over the cheese-topped pasta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
- 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