Five Cheese Ziti al Forno from Olive Garden features tender ziti pasta baked with a savory blend of mozzarella, ricotta, romano, parmesan, and fontina cheeses, topped with melted golden cheese and a rich tomato marinara sauce, delivering a hearty and comforting Italian casserole.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish (casserole dish)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
When selecting cheeses for your Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, make sure to use fresh and high-quality mozzarella, ricotta, romano, parmesan, and fontina cheeses to achieve the authentic rich and creamy flavor profile. The balance of grated and shredded cheeses is crucial; shredded mozzarella and fontina melt smoothly, while grated parmesan and romano add a sharp, savory depth. Fresh parsley enhances the dish with a subtle herbaceous note, so avoid using dried parsley substitutes. Proper seasoning with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper ensures your sauce complements the cheese blend without overpowering it. Your homemade Five Cheese Ziti al Forno from Olive Garden copycat menu will deliver the same hearty and comforting Italian casserole experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain using colander.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add half of the mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and romano cheeses to the ricotta mixture; mix well.
- Stir in cooked ziti pasta and 1 cup of marinara sauce until pasta is coated evenly.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and romano cheeses over sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, marinara sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Substitution
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno from Olive Garden copycat menu can be easily adapted if you can't find certain cheeses; for example, substituting fontina with provolone or mozzarella can maintain the creamy texture. You can use any type of tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable, ensuring similar sauce adherence. If fresh parsley is not on hand, dried parsley or basil can add a comparable herbal flavor. Adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially if your marinara sauce is pre-seasoned or store-bought. Your use of a covered baking dish with aluminum foil during baking helps keep the pasta moist and cheese melted evenly.
Tips
Make sure to cook the ziti pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. When mixing the ricotta cheese with the egg and seasonings, ensure thorough blending to evenly distribute flavors throughout your casserole. Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking stage prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. You should allow the dish to rest after baking so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld for better texture and taste.
Nutritions
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno provides a rich source of protein and calcium, mainly from its blend of mozzarella, ricotta, romano, parmesan, and fontina cheeses. The ziti pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, while the tomato marinara sauce adds vitamins A and C along with antioxidants like lycopene. The dish also contains healthy fats from cheese and a small amount of fiber from marinara sauce and herbs. You can balance your meal by pairing this hearty casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Storage
Store leftover Five Cheese Ziti al Forno in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. When reheating, cover the dish with aluminum foil and warm it in an oven preheated to 350degF (175degC) for 20 minutes or until heated through to preserve the cheesy texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the ziti pasta with penne or rigatoni for a slightly different texture while maintaining the casserole's hearty appeal. Incorporating fresh basil or oregano in place of dried Italian seasoning offers a more vibrant flavor profile. Try replacing part of the fontina cheese with provolone or gouda to add a smoky or creamy twist to the cheese blend. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of mozzarella to decrease fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
Allergies
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno contains multiple dairy ingredients, including ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and romano cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The egg included in the recipe may also cause allergies for those sensitive to eggs. If you have any food allergies, carefully check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Five Cheese Ziti al Forno from Olive Garden features a rich blend of five cheeses--romano, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and fontina--baked with ziti pasta and marinara sauce for a creamy, savory flavor profile that appeals to cheese lovers. Its perfectly baked golden crust and gooey texture offer a comforting, restaurant-quality Italian experience that is hard to find in homemade dishes. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to customize ingredients for dietary preferences while enjoying a cost-effective, flavorful meal that rivals Olive Garden's signature dish. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic blend of cheeses and herbs, making the copycat version a rewarding cooking project.