Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno brings all the comfort of Olive Garden right to your kitchen You get that bubbly golden cheese layer and creamy tomato sauce with just a handful of ingredients It is the ultimate no fuss baked pasta when you crave something cheesy and cozy

I tried this for the first time on a busy weeknight and everyone went back for seconds The leftovers were even better the next day

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: the classic shape for trapping all that creamy sauce look for a bronze cut brand if you want more flavor grip
• Breadcrumbs: add crunch on top plain or Italian both work go for fresh if you have the option
• Marinara sauce: the rich tomato base pick your favorite jar or homemade version with garlic and herbs
• Heavy cream: gives the sauce a velvety finish use high quality cream for the best texture
• Diced tomatoes: bring sweetness and extra juiciness fresh or canned both taste great just drain well
• Sugar: balances the acidity of the tomatoes a touch is all you need
• Parmesan blend: a mix of parmesan romano asiago for sharpness and tang grate it yourself if possible
• Fontina cheese: melts beautifully and adds creaminess you can swap for Monterey Jack if needed
• Mozzarella cheese: gives that gooey stretch shred it fresh so it melts better

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add the ziti and cook until just shy of al dente about seven minutes Drain immediately and rinse under cold water Toss with a bit of olive oil so the noodles do not stick and set aside

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Place marinara sauce heavy cream diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of sugar in a medium saucepan Heat over medium stirring occasionally until the mixture simmers Gently add in half a cup of parmesan blend half a cup of fontina and half a cup of mozzarella Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is bubbling Remove from heat

Assemble the Ziti:

Pour the drained pasta into a large oven safe dish Spread it evenly Ladle all of the cheese sauce over the ziti ensuring every noodle is coated

Finish with Toppings:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan blend evenly over the sauced pasta Scatter breadcrumbs on top for a crisp golden crust

Broil to Perfection:

Place the dish under the broiler for three to four minutes Watch closely as the cheese melts and the top becomes golden brown Remove from the oven and let it rest a few minutes

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My favorite part of this dish is the crusty cheese and breadcrumbs on top growing up that was always the first bite my brother and I fought over Whenever I make this I am reminded of loud family dinners where this casserole would disappear in minutes

Storage Tips

Any leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze portions tightly wrapped and just reheat in the oven or microwave until bubbly The topping stays best if reheated in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ziti penne or rigatoni are just as good For the five cheese blend use whatever you have like more mozzarella or cheddar You can lighten up the sauce by swapping half and half for the heavy cream for a bit less richness

Serving Suggestions

A fresh green salad and garlic bread are classic pairings Spoon extra sauce over each serving if you love extra richness For a special twist add some roasted veggies or cooked sausage to the pasta before baking

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Cultural and Historical Context

Baked ziti is a staple Italian American comfort dish Inspired by the classic pasta al forno family style casseroles have a long tradition in southern Italian cooking The five cheese twist nods to Olive Garden's signature style creating a homestyle meal that is both nostalgic and crowd pleasing

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of cheese are used in this baked ziti?

A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and fontina cheeses creates a creamy, flavorful combination.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne or rigatoni can be substituted if ziti isn't available. Any sturdy, tube-shaped pasta works well.

→ How do I achieve a golden, crunchy topping?

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese over the pasta, then broil briefly to create a crisp, browned finish.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

→ Is it possible to use store-bought sauce?

Store-bought marinara can be used for convenience, but homemade sauce brings richer depth of flavor.