3 days ago3 min read

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Copycat Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Updated: 2 days ago

If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know how irresistible their Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, perfectly baked pasta, and crispy topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. What if you could make this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen? This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno copycat recipe delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness you love — no reservations required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy & Creamy: Packed with five delicious cheeses.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with big flavor.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ziti Pasta:

16 oz ziti pasta

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup grated Romano cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheeses.
Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the pasta and spread evenly.
Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or roasted vegetables.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a refreshing iced tea.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of five cheeses creates a luxuriously creamy and flavorful sauce. The mix of marinara and Alfredo sauces provides the perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. Baking the pasta with a crispy breadcrumb topping adds that satisfying crunch that makes this dish irresistible.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well for this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?A: Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as written.

Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze Five Cheese Ziti al Forno?A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the topping crispy.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a cheesy, indulgent classic that you can easily recreate at home. With its creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy topping, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table. Try this copycat recipe today and bring the taste of Olive Garden right into your kitchen!