five cheese ziti al forno olive garden recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best five cheese ziti al forno olive garden recipe

I have to tell you about my latest obsession: the five cheese ziti al forno from Olive Garden. This dish is pure comfort food, and it has become a staple in our house. My kids, who can be picky eaters, absolutely devour it every time I make it. The combination of creamy cheeses and tender pasta is just irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make at home. It tastes just like the restaurant version, but I can control the ingredients and make it a bit healthier. I use whole wheat ziti and low fat cheeses sometimes, and it still comes out amazing. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty, but it is also fancy enough for a family gathering or a holiday meal.

This dish is packed with protein from all those cheeses, and it is a great way to get some calcium into your family. Plus, it is so satisfying that you do not need a huge portion to feel full. It is a balanced meal that everyone loves, and that is a win in my book.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

4.8 from 1824 votes

This baked ziti recipe is a copycat of the famous Olive Garden dish. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, with a crispy top layer.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
1/2 cup heavy cream

For Topping

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4In a separate bowl, stir together the marinara sauce and heavy cream.
5Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
6Spread half of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Then spoon the pasta and cheese mixture over the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
7Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan on top. If using, sprinkle with dried parsley.
8Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use part skim ricotta and reduced fat mozzarella. You can also add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.

Watch Video Of How Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Works

This five cheese ziti al forno recipe is a true crowd pleaser and it always gets rave reviews at my family dinners. It is rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to pull together, making it a perfect go to meal for any busy weeknight or special occasion. I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

1. Can I make this five cheese ziti al forno ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish completely, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

2. Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely. Assemble the ziti in a freezer safe dish, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

3. What can I substitute for Gorgonzola cheese?

If you do not have Gorgonzola, you can use crumbled feta or blue cheese for a similar tangy flavor. You can also just omit it and use an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan instead.

4. How do I get a crispy top on my ziti?

For a crispy, golden top, make sure to use a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top. You can also switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely so it does not burn.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other short tube pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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