Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno (Copycat)
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- oven
- 1 Colander
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz ziti pasta – uncooked
- 4 cups homemade marinara sauce or store-bought
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce – store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Fontina cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs – white, whole-wheat, or gluten-free
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic – minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- freshly cracked black pepper – optional
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley or another fresh herb of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 × 13 inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it.
- Mix the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked ziti to a large bowl. Toss with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, if using, to help prevent sticking. Add the marinara, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, Fontina, and ½ cup mozzarella. Stir until evenly combined.
- Fill the baking dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup mozzarella, panko, Romano, Parmesan, and garlic. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Sprinkle the baked ziti with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Storage and Reheating
Make-ahead(longer storage): Cook the pasta 2 minutes short, drain and rinse it, then toss with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it cool and freeze it in a single layer for up to 1 month. When ready to make the ziti, combine the pasta with the sauces and cheeses and continue with the recipe.Make-ahead (short-term): Assemble the ziti through the topping step, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When baking directly from the refrigerator, allow additional baking time and make sure the center is hot before serving. Storage: Store leftover Five Cheese Ziti al Forno in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheating: Cover individual portions and microwave for about 2 minutes per portion, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Microwave times vary. Check that the ziti is heated through before serving.
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.