Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
- The Secret to That Signature Five Cheese Flavor
- How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at Home
- Tips for the Creamiest, Cheesiest Pasta Bake
- Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Ziti
- Storage and Reheating Tips
Key Takeaways
✔ This homemade version of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
✔ It’s an easy recipe that requires simple ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
✔ Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a comforting pasta dish.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a fan favorite, and now you can recreate it right in your kitchen with this easy recipe! If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, this homemade version will not disappoint. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just want a quick meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.
The Secret to That Signature Five Cheese Flavor
The key to getting that perfect cheesy flavor is using a blend of five different cheeses—mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and provolone. Each cheese adds its own unique taste and texture, making every bite extra delicious. The combination of marinara and Alfredo sauce takes the flavor to the next level.
How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at Home
This easy pasta recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. Start by cooking your ziti pasta until al dente, then toss it in a creamy blend of marinara and Alfredo sauce. The cheese mixture coats the pasta perfectly, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. A crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping gives it that final restaurant-quality touch.
Tips for the Creamiest, Cheesiest Pasta Bake
Want to make your dish even better? Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier melt. Also, letting your pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Ziti
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, a side of garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve it with a glass of your favorite red wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Now that you know all the secrets to making this delicious dish, give it a try and impress your family with a restaurant-style meal at home. For more amazing recipes, visit Clara Cooks!
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and provolone cheese. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked ziti with the cheese sauce mixture and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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