There's nothing like the creamy, cheesy comfort of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This rich, baked pasta dish combines al dente ziti, a luscious blend of cheeses, and a zesty marinara sauce for a meal that's both indulgent and satisfying. It's the perfect dish to make when you're craving restaurant-style Italian food at home.
I first recreated this recipe after a family trip to Olive Garden, where it became a favorite at our table. The combination of gooey cheese and flavorful sauce inspired me to try it at home, and the results were just as delicious! Let’s dive into how to bring this beloved dish to your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's both comforting and crowd-pleasing. This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a game-changer for Italian food lovers.
First, it's packed with flavor from the perfect mix of five cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, ricotta, and provolone. Each bite is loaded with creamy, melty goodness.
It's a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. In just under an hour, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal right at home, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your family's tastes by adding protein like chicken or tweaking the sauce to your liking.
And let’s not forget how much it impresses at gatherings. Serve this at your next potluck, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of cheeses and a well-balanced marinara sauce. Here's what you'll need to know about the key ingredients:
Ziti Pasta forms the base of this recipe. Its tubular shape captures the cheesy sauce perfectly. If you can’t find ziti, penne is a great substitute. Cook the pasta until al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
Mozzarella Cheese adds the classic stringy, melty quality that everyone loves in baked pasta. Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for the best results.
Parmesan and Romano Cheeses bring sharp, nutty flavors to the dish. Grate these cheeses fresh for the most vibrant taste.
Ricotta Cheese provides a creamy, slightly sweet layer that balances the savory marinara and sharp cheeses. Whole milk ricotta works best, but you can use part-skim if you prefer.
Marinara Sauce is the heart of the flavor in this dish. A high-quality store-bought sauce works well, or you can use your homemade favorite. For a bolder taste, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
Lastly, you’ll need a casserole dish and a grater for the cheeses. Having these tools ready will make assembling and baking a breeze.
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this cheesy masterpiece is simpler than you think. Follow these steps to bring the magic of Olive Garden to your table.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cook ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta when it’s al dente and toss it with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan, and half of the Romano cheese in a large bowl. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and mix until smooth.
Layer the dish in a greased casserole dish. Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the cooked pasta. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a handful of provolone cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara and a generous topping of mozzarella.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you’d like an extra-crispy top, broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Once baked, let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Storage Options
This dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven for a quick, cheesy meal.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
If freezing after baking, cool the dish completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. This ensures the pasta retains its texture when reheated.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
For added protein, mix in cooked, shredded chicken or browned Italian sausage with the pasta.
Vegetarians can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty twist.
To lighten things up, use part-skim versions of the cheeses or swap heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative in the ricotta mixture.
Prefer a spicier kick? Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinara sauce.
For a gluten-free version, substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.
With these variations, this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno can become a recipe you'll return to time and time again. Happy cooking!
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the famous Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe at home with this simple guide! Packed with five cheeses, a creamy marinara sauce, and baked to perfection, this classic Italian-American dish is perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 jar (15 oz) alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara and alfredo sauces together. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked ziti to the cheese and sauce mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- (Optional) Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the top for a crispy topping.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite marinara and alfredo sauces for a personalized touch.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or chicken for extra protein.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ⅙ of dish)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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