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.)