Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bubbling, cheesy plate of Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno straight from the oven. This beloved Olive Garden classic combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a crispy, golden-brown topping. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you're craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.

I first tried this dish on a special night out, and it quickly became my go-to order. After one bite, I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen! Now, this homemade version is a staple in our household, bringing the same irresistible flavor without the need for a reservation.

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

If you're a fan of creamy, cheesy, baked pasta, you're going to love this dish. It's everything you want in a comfort meal, plus it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!

First, it’s packed with FIVE kinds of cheese—mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, ricotta, and fontina. Each one adds its own unique flavor and texture, making every bite extra indulgent.

It’s also quick and easy to prepare. While it may taste like a restaurant-quality dish, you’ll only need about 30 minutes from start to finish. That means you can whip up a delicious, hearty meal even on busy weeknights.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead lunches. Plus, the flavors only get better over time!

And let’s not forget—the crispy, cheesy topping takes this dish to the next level. A mixture of cheese and breadcrumbs creates that irresistible golden-brown crust you love from the original.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno comes from its rich, creamy cheese blend and perfectly cooked pasta. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special.

• Ziti pasta – This tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. You can also use penne or rigatoni if that's what you have on hand.
• Marinara sauce – A high-quality jarred marinara works great, but you can also use homemade marinara for even more flavor.
• Alfredo sauce – A key part of the creaminess! Combining Alfredo with marinara creates a rich, pink sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a slight sweetness that balances the tangy marinara.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan and Romano cheeses – Both add a salty, nutty depth of flavor. Grate them fresh for the best taste.
• Fontina cheese – This cheese is buttery and creamy, helping to create that luscious sauce. If you can’t find fontina, provolone makes a good substitute.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme enhances the overall flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Give the dish its signature crispy topping. Mixing them with cheese ensures the perfect golden crunch.

Special Equipment: You'll need a large baking dish and a cheese grater to make sure everything melts together perfectly.

How to Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creating this creamy, cheesy baked ziti at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, and fontina. Stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. This is the secret to that creamy, cheesy goodness!

3. Make the Sauce

Mix together marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce in a separate bowl. This creamy, tangy blend is what gives the dish its signature flavor.

4. Combine Everything

Toss the cooked ziti with the cheese mixture and sauce, making sure every noodle is coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

5. Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. This will give the pasta that irresistible golden-brown crust.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures a perfect, creamy consistency.

Storage Options

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they sit!
• Freezing – For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent cold spots.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily switch up ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Make it meaty – Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
• Go spicy – Stir in red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for a little heat.
• Use different pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work well if you don’t have ziti.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly – The dish is already meat-free, but you can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Dairy-free option – Use a plant-based ricotta substitute and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Some brands melt beautifully and still give you that creamy texture.

No matter how you customize it, this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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