olive garden 5 cheese ziti recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
olive garden 5 cheese ziti recipe
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The Best olive garden 5 cheese ziti recipe

I have been making this Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti recipe for years, and it is one of those meals that always gets my family to the table fast. My kids love the creamy, cheesy sauce, and my husband says it tastes just like the restaurant version. It is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables if you add a little spinach or broccoli to the sauce. The blend of five cheeses gives it a rich flavor without being too heavy, and it is a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite balanced with protein and carbs.

Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti

Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti

4.9 from 578 votes

This copycat Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that tastes just like the restaurant version. It is made with a blend of five cheeses and a simple tomato cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
4Add the mozzarella, provolone, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
5In a separate small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, cheese sauce, and tomato sauce. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
7Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
8Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or saucepan
Whisk
Colander
Baking dish (9×13 inch)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti Works

This Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti recipe is a family favorite in my house and always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. It is creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make, it is a perfect go to meal for any night of the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even bow tie pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so cook the pasta according to package directions.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the fridge.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze this 5 Cheese Ziti?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. What can I serve with this ziti?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

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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