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Olive Garden Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Laura

Olive Garden Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Creamy, cheesy baked ziti with five Italian cheeses, marinara, and Alfredo sauce topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. This copycat recipe tastes exactly like the Olive Garden classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 785
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta or penne
  • 4 cups marinara sauce quality brand
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook ziti pasta according to package directions until 2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, fontina cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and Romano cheese. Mix gently until pasta is evenly coated.
  3. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 cup mozzarella, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and melted butter.
  4. Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over pasta. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Undercook pasta slightly before baking to prevent mushiness
  • Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner portions
  • Use room temperature cheeses for smoother melting
  • Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
  • Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat with splash of milk or water to restore creaminess