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A delicious plate of Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno with a crispy, golden-baked cheese topping, served hot on a rustic table.

How To Make Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno – Just Like Olive Garden!

Indulge in this rich, creamy, and cheesy Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, inspired by Olive Garden’s famous baked pasta dish. Loaded with a blend of five cheeses, tossed in a flavorful marinara-cream sauce, and topped with crispy golden breadcrumbs, this comforting Italian-American classic is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Sauce:

  • 16 oz (450g) ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

🧀 Five Cheese Blend:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Fontina cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Provolone cheese, shredded

🍞 Crispy Topping:

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente (firm but tender).
  3. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, allowing it to warm up for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add ricotta, Parmesan, Fontina, Provolone, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until smooth.
  5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Assemble the Dish:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4️⃣ Make the Crispy Topping:

  1. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs over the pasta.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:

  1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream before baking.
  • Want more flavor? Add grilled chicken or cooked Italian sausage.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta & breadcrumbs.
  • Add spice by mixing red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce.
  • Author: EMY
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: ~650 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg