Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a creamy, mouthwatering pasta dish that will transport you to cheesy paradise with every bite. This decadent ziti is enveloped in a rich blend of five delicious cheeses and marinara sauce, topped with a bubbling golden crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is not just comforting but also quick to prepare—ready in under an hour. With its irresistible aroma and flavor explosion, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Fontina cheese (or Gruyère)
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (or blue cheese)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, combine marinara sauce with half the ricotta, mozzarella, and Fontina cheeses over medium heat until blended and heated through.
- Mix the cheesy sauce into the drained ziti until fully coated.
- Layer half of the ziti mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle half of the remaining cheeses, add the rest of the ziti, and top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. You can also substitute cheeses based on preference—try goat cheese or gouda for a unique twist.