Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno : The Ultimate Cheesy Pasta Bake

Few dishes scream comfort food like Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. This baked ziti is loaded with creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that makes every bite a warm hug in a bowl. It’s an iconic cheesy spaghetti meal that combines the richness of marinara and Alfredo sauce with layers of cheese and baked pasta goodness.

Even better? You can recreate this budget-friendly pasta meal at home with simple ingredients, saving money while enjoying restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish always satisfies.

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What Is Ziti al Forno?

“Al forno” means “from the oven” in Italian, and this dish is exactly that—pasta baked with layers of sauce and cheese until bubbling and golden. Unlike stovetop pasta dishes, a baked ziti has a hearty texture, with crispy edges and a melty cheese topping.

This particular recipe, inspired by Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, is loaded with:

• Ziti or penne pasta
• Rich tomato and cream sauces
• A blend of five cheeses for that signature gooey topping

It’s like lasagna’s easier cousin—less work, but just as comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy ziti al forno, gather the following:

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese
• 1/4 cup Fontina cheese (or substitute with provolone)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional add-ins for more flavor:

• Cooked Italian sausage or chicken
• Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite
• Spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil ziti (or penne) until al dente. Don’t overcook—since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauces

Mix marinara and Alfredo sauces together in a large bowl. This creamy tomato base is the secret to Olive Garden’s signature flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Cheese

Combine cooked pasta with sauce mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Fontina.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

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Variations of Five Cheese Ziti

This versatile pasta can be adjusted to suit your taste:

• Creamy Pasta Dish with Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Penne Pasta with Chicken and Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add grilled or baked chicken along with sun-dried tomatoes for a protein-packed version.
• Vegetarian Style: Skip the meat and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
• Spicy Ziti: Stir in red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for heat.

If you love experimenting with pasta, you might also enjoy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta or the hearty Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for another cozy dinner option.

Why This Is a Budget-Friendly Pasta Meal

Restaurant-quality meals often cost a fortune, but this recipe uses inexpensive pantry staples—pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce—making it a true budget-friendly pasta meal. You can easily feed a family or crowd without breaking the bank, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Pair this dish with a fresh side salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a complete Italian-inspired dinner at a fraction of the cost.

Tips for the Best Ziti al Forno

• Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Bake uncovered to achieve that golden cheesy topping.
• Double the recipe for meal prep—this pasta reheats beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy baked ziti pairs perfectly with:

• A crisp green salad
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• A light starter like Cucumber Dill Salad
• A cozy dessert like Pumpkin Brownies or Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Can I substitute pasta?

Absolutely—penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well in place of ziti.

What makes it “five cheese”?

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Fontina (or provolone).

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the meat and load up on vegetables instead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish, Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is the perfect choice. With simple ingredients, customizable add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or chicken, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try pairing it with a fresh side and a sweet treat for a complete Italian-inspired dinner at home.

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