Irresistible Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe – Melty Pasta Bliss

Pasta lovers will adore this five cheese ziti al forno that promises a creamy, indulgent Italian-inspired feast.

Melted cheeses create a luxurious blanket over perfectly cooked ziti noodles.

Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and other delectable cheeses meld together in a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this hearty dish that screams pure culinary joy.

Rich and decadent textures make every single bite a celebration of cheesy goodness.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible ziti creation.

Why Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe Is A Must

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with five different cheeses, this recipe creates an irresistible melty masterpiece that'll make cheese enthusiasts swoon with pure delight.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that brings people together with its warm, inviting flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding protein like ground beef or chicken, swapping cheeses, or creating a vegetarian version to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate the beloved Olive Garden classic in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-inspired meal that tastes even better than the original.

Key Ingredients For Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

• Ziti Pasta: A classic Italian tubular pasta perfect for holding rich, creamy sauces.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese: A luxurious combination of cheeses that creates a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful base for the dish.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a delicious flavor base and provide depth to the overall dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds brightness and tanginess to the ziti.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Traditional Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean flavors to the recipe.

• Breadcrumbs: A crispy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and a pop of color.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

Easy Instructions For Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for some serious baking action.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Cook ziti pasta until it’s just shy of fully soft, keeping that signature al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions turn translucent and garlic releases its delightful aroma.

Step 4: Build the Cheesy Masterpiece

• Cooked ziti
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil

Season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything hugs together deliciously.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly like a cheesy blanket.

Step 6: Create Crispy Topping

Blend breadcrumbs with a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle this magical mixture across the top of the pasta.

Step 7: Transform in the Oven

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese bubbles and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Pull the ziti from the oven and let it rest briefly. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Dive into your restaurant-worthy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno!

Top Tips For Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

• Cheese Selection Mastery: Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor and melting potential. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook ziti just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking. Slightly undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Breadcrumb Crunch Hack: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding olive oil for extra crispy and golden topping. This technique enhances the overall texture and adds depth to the dish.
• Sauce Balance Technique: Use a high-quality marinara sauce with robust tomato flavor. If sauce seems too thick, thin it slightly with pasta water to ensure creamy consistency throughout the dish.

Creative Combos For Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

• Gluten-Free Ziti Delight: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne, using almond flour breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute cheese with plant-based mozzarella and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap ziti pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the cheesy sauce and breadcrumb topping for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes, add chopped sundried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of provolone for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Tasty Pairings For Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

• Savor Creamy Cheese Companions: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, cheesy ziti. These light wines balance the heavy pasta and cleanse your palate with bright, zesty notes.
• Herb-Infused Green Salad Sidekick: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy ziti.
• Bold Red Wine Blast: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the marinara sauce and cheese complexity. These Italian wines echo the dish's robust Mediterranean flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Garlic Bread Crunch Companion

How To Store Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe The Right Way

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place ziti in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

All Your Questions On Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

• What types of cheese are used in Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno?

The recipe includes ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Romano cheeses, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile that makes this dish incredibly delicious.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a vegetarian-friendly dish that doesn’t contain any meat, making it perfect for those who prefer meatless meals.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich layers of melted cheeses elevate this five cheese ziti al forno into a comfort classic straight from Italian kitchens. Creamy ricotta, sharp provolone, and three additional cheeses create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese Base:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup romano cheese, grated

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the ziti.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with sautéed onions and garlic. Fold in ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Pour marinara sauce over the mixture and season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture, spreading it uniformly across the dish.
6. Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and golden-brown breadcrumbs as indicators of doneness.
8. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor and melting potential, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Pasta Texture Trick: Cook ziti slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta and maintaining a perfect bite.
• Breadcrumb Enhancement: Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing with olive oil to intensify their nutty flavor and crispiness.
• Dietary Modification: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free ziti and use lactose-free cheese alternatives to accommodate gluten and dairy restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg