Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe– A Cheesy Delight
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a Cheesy Delight: this recipe is a Olive Garden copycat and is loaded with a blend of five rich cheeses, zesty marinara, and baked to perfection, It is a cheesy, flavorful delight that is perfect for any occasion.
Creating copycat recipes has always been a passion of mine like my Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, or my Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich. There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home, capturing the flavors and essence without the hefty price tag.
My journey into copycat recipes led me to experiment with the iconic Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This dish, with its perfect blend of cheeses and rich sauces, has always been a favorite of mine.
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (½ cup divided)
- ¾ cup shredded romano cheese, (¼ cup divided)
- ¾ cup shredded provolone cheese, (¼ cup divided)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, (½ cup divided)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces alfredo sauce
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese, and 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl or the pot you used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the mixed sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the remaining cheese mixture on top. Spread the rest of the pasta mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining cheese mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup shredded Romano, 1/4 cup shredded Provolone, bread crumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Choose Quality Cheese:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality cheeses. Freshly grated cheeses melt better and provide a richer taste compared to pre-packaged shredded cheeses.
- Undercook the Pasta:
- Cook the ziti until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy.
- Mix Sauces Thoroughly:
- Ensure the marinara and Alfredo sauces are well combined for a harmonious blend of flavors. This will give your ziti a creamy yet tangy taste.
- Layer Evenly:
- When layering the pasta and cheese mixture, spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
- Customize the Crust:
- For an extra crispy topping, you can add more panko breadcrumbs or even some crushed garlic for additional flavor.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color that enhances the dish’s presentation.
- Make Ahead:
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
- Freezer-Friendly:
- You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) ziti for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Experiment with Flavors:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses based on your preference. Fontina or Gruyere can add a unique twist.
FAQs about Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a Cheesy Delight: this recipe is a Olive Garden copycat and is loaded with a blend of five rich cheeses, zesty marinara, and baked to perfection, It is a cheesy, flavorful delight that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (½ cup divided)
- ¾ cup shredded romano cheese, (¼ cup divided)
- ¾ cup shredded provolone cheese, (¼ cup divided)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, (½ cup divided)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces alfredo sauce
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese, and 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl or the pot you used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the mixed sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half of the remaining cheese mixture on top. Spread the rest of the pasta mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining cheese mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup shredded Romano, 1/4 cup shredded Provolone, bread crumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 491Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 1504mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 25g