There's something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish like Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. The blend of creamy cheeses, perfectly cooked pasta, and that golden-brown crust on top makes it an irresistible meal the whole family will love.

I first tried this recipe after a trip to Olive Garden left me craving more of their famous baked ziti. Since then, I've perfected this copycat recipe to bring those same rich flavors right to your home. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Let's dive in!

Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food. This baked ziti recipe is indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

First, it's a showstopper of cheesy goodness. With five types of cheese in the mix, every bite is a gooey, flavorful experience that's sure to satisfy any cheese lover.

Second, it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills – just a handful of pantry staples and a love for hearty Italian food.

Third, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days or serve it at gatherings with confidence.

Finally, it's endlessly customizable. Whether you want to add protein like chicken or sausage or sneak in some veggies, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this recipe’s success lies in the combination of rich cheeses and simple, quality ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture.

Ziti pasta is the foundation of this dish. Its tubular shape perfectly holds the creamy sauce and cheese. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni works just as well.

Marinara sauce is the heart of the dish. Choose a high-quality jarred marinara, or make your own if you have time. The sauce adds tangy, savory flavors that balance the richness of the cheese.

The star of this dish is the cheese blend. A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano creates that signature creamy, melty texture. Feel free to swap out fontina for provolone if needed.

Heavy cream gives the sauce a velvety texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though it won’t be as rich.

For the topping, Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and seasonings to enhance the dish.

How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this baked ziti is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth it.

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.

While the sauce cooks, prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan in a bowl. Save a portion of mozzarella and Parmesan for the topping.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Then, fold in the cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it up.

Transfer the pasta and sauce to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheeses and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (and you might not), this dish stores wonderfully for future meals.

To refrigerate, place the baked ziti in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven for the best results.

For longer storage, freeze the ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs.

For a protein-packed version, add cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or even shrimp to the pasta before baking.

Vegetarian? Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

If you're avoiding gluten, swap out the pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. The recipe remains just as delicious.

Want a little spice? Stir in red pepper flakes or top with hot sauce for a kick.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar can add a fun twist to the classic flavor profile.

With its rich, cheesy layers and comforting flavors, Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a dish that brings the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant straight to your kitchen. Whether you're recreating a family favorite or making it for the first time, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!