Baked Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Olive Garden Copycat)
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I am usually a soup, salad, and breadsticks kind of girl when we eat at Olive Garden. But every now and then, I branch out and order something like the eggplant parmesan, fettuccine Alfredo, or the baked five cheese ziti al forno. That baked ziti has always been one of those dishes I really enjoy, so I was excited to come up with a version I could make at home anytime the craving hits. And honestly, I think this homemade version might even be better.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is made with simple ingredients and comes together so easily. You only need just under 10 ingredients, which makes it a great option for a comforting dinner without a lot of fuss. Using store-bought marinara and Alfredo sauce helps keep things quick and convenient, so it is perfect for a busy night. Of course, if you want to use homemade sauces, I am sure it would make the dish even more delicious.
What really sets this version of baked ziti apart from other recipes is the topping. Instead of just adding cheese over the top, you mix mozzarella, Romano, and Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs and minced garlic. As it bakes, that mixture turns into a golden, crispy topping that adds so much flavor and texture. It creates a cheesy crust on top that makes every bite even better and gives the dish that extra-special finish.
Ingredients for Olive GArden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
- ZITI PASTA
- MARINARA SAUCE
- ALFREDO SAUCE
- RICOTTA CHEESE
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- ROMANO CHEESE
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- GARLIC
- PANKO BREADCRUMBS
Instructions for Baked Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Since it will continue to bake in the oven, you want the pasta to still have a little bite to it. Once it is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce mixture. In a large bowl, stir together the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese until everything is smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy, cheesy sauce that gives the baked ziti so much flavor.
Add the drained pasta to the bowl and gently stir until all of the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce mixture. Pour the pasta into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Next, make the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the topping ingredients and mix well. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the pasta in the baking dish.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is beginning to turn golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This recipe serves 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne or rigatoni would also work well in this recipe since they are similar in size and shape.
Do I have to use both marinara and Alfredo sauce?
Yes, that combination is what gives this dish its creamy, flavorful sauce. It is part of what makes this version a little different from more traditional baked ziti.
Can I use homemade sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. Homemade marinara or Alfredo sauce would be delicious in this recipe if you have the time to make them.
Do I need to cook the pasta first?
Yes. The pasta should be cooked to al dente before mixing it with the sauce and baking it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes. This recipe should freeze well either before or after baking. Just make sure it is wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe dish.
What should I serve with baked ziti?
This dish is great with a green salad, garlic bread, breadsticks, or roasted vegetables.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes. Cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken could be added if you want to make it heartier.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
Tips and Tricks
Cook the pasta to al dente. This keeps it from getting too soft after baking.
Mix the sauce well before adding the pasta. That helps coat everything evenly and gives the best texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better and adds more flavor.
Spread the topping evenly. This helps every serving get that crunchy, cheesy finish.
Let it rest before serving. A few minutes of resting time makes it easier to scoop and serve.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Baked Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Olive Garden Copycat)
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Topping:
- 1 ½ cup mozzerella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Romano cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350degrees.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions.
- In the meantime, in a large bowl, mix together the marinara, alfredo sauce, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- When the pasta is fully cooked, drain and mix it into the sauce mixture. Then pour the coated pasta into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix the topping ingredients together. Sprinkle over the pasta in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and the top starts to brown. Serves 8.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Macy Blackwell.
