Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Copycat)? Now, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen! This copycat recipe delivers a baked pasta dish smothered in a rich blend of five cheeses, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Dish:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping mixture evenly over the pasta.
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, sprinkle the dish with dried parsley (optional) for a touch of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy delight that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Serving Tips:
Pair with Sides: This cheesy, creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a simple green salad (like a Caesar or Italian salad) and some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a healthier twist.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: For an added burst of flavor and color, sprinkle the baked ziti with fresh basil or parmesan cheese just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the richness of the dish.
Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed straight from the oven while it’s hot and bubbly. The cheese will be perfectly melted, and the topping will be golden and crispy.
Individual Portions: To make serving easier, you can portion out the ziti into smaller ramekins before baking. This also allows for individual servings if you’re hosting a gathering or meal prep.
Storage Tips:
Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, allow the ziti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing the Ziti: If you want to store it longer, this dish freezes well. After assembling, but before baking, cover the uncooked ziti tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Reheating Leftovers:
Microwave: For individual servings, reheat the ziti in the microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. You can cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
Oven: To reheat a larger portion or retain the crispy topping, place the ziti in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the topping to crisp up again.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While ziti or penne is traditionally used, you can substitute any other type of pasta that you prefer. Rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli work great for holding onto the cheesy sauce. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, as it doesn’t contain any meat. The creamy sauce and blend of cheeses make it a satisfying and rich dish on its own. However, if you’d like to add vegetables, feel free to toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the pasta and sauce mixture, add the topping, and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat it through.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an even crispier topping, increase the amount of breadcrumbs slightly, or use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You can also broil the dish for a minute or two at the end of baking (watch it closely to prevent burning) to get that perfect golden, crispy finish.
Conclusion:
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Copycat) is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, cheesy sauce and baked topping, it’s comfort food at its finest. Enjoy this decadent dish and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Copycat)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat recipe is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with five types of cheese, including ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s a comforting and delicious meal that rivals the restaurant favorite. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this homemade version is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for cheesy, indulgent comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with dried parsley (optional) before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Cheese Variety: For the best flavor, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: This dish can also be frozen before baking. Simply cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish Comfort Food Italian Cuisine
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal (per serving, approx.)
