There's nothing quite like recreating the flavors of Olive Garden right in your own kitchen. This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a cheesy, comforting classic that's loaded with flavor and perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its luscious blend of creamy cheeses, hearty pasta, and a crispy golden topping, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

I first discovered this recipe after a trip to Olive Garden left me craving their signature baked ziti. After a little experimenting, I created a version that tastes just like the original – if not better! Now, it’s my go-to for weeknight meals or when I want to impress dinner guests.
Why You'll Love This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to savor the ultimate baked pasta dish! This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno combines indulgent flavors with a quick and simple preparation process that fits seamlessly into busy schedules. Here's why you'll fall in love with it:
First, it’s loaded with five different cheeses, creating a velvety, creamy texture in every bite. The rich combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, fontina, and Romano makes this dish extra special.
Second, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, you'll appreciate how straightforward and foolproof the steps are.
It’s also a versatile dish. You can adapt it to fit your preferences by adding protein, swapping out pasta shapes, or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Finally, the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that complements the gooey, cheesy pasta underneath. It’s the perfect textural contrast that elevates this meal to restaurant-quality!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno comes from the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for catching all that cheesy, creamy sauce. If you can’t find ziti, penne works as a great substitute.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a stretchy, gooey base. For the best flavor, shred it yourself instead of using pre-shredded.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor. If you prefer, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Fontina cheese: This mild, creamy cheese enhances the rich texture. Gouda or provolone can work in its place if needed.
- Parmesan and Romano cheeses: These salty, nutty cheeses provide depth of flavor. Freshly grated varieties are highly recommended for maximum taste.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for an even more personalized touch.
- Heavy cream: Creates the creamy component of the sauce. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Combine these with melted butter for the ultimate crunchy topping.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish and a medium-sized saucepan for this recipe.
How To Make This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering dish:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it is key.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Mix well until smooth. Set this aside as the creamy base of the dish.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your marinara sauce with a splash of heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese, finishing with a generous layer of sauce on top.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix Italian breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta, along with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
This dish takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a cheesy, comforting masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked assembled dish for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.
- Reheat: To prevent drying out, cover the dish with foil when reheating in the oven.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways you can customize it to fit your preferences:
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or even shrimp for a heartier version of this dish.
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian twist: Load the dish with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to create a version that everyone can enjoy.
- Cheese swaps: Experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Havarti for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Don’t be afraid to get creative – this dish is the perfect canvas for your culinary experiments!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe is a restaurant-inspired dish loaded with five creamy cheeses, baked to perfection, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup fontina cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup Romano cheese (grated)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In another bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Reserve ½ cup of the cheese mixture for topping.
- Mix cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and fold in the cheese mixture.
- Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle on top along with the reserved cheese mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded cheeses for the best flavor and melt quality.
- Substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if needed.
- Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of dish
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
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