There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. The bubbling layers of melted cheese, tender pasta, and tangy marinara sauce combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. This homemade version captures all the magic of the restaurant favorite while being quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

I first tried recreating this recipe on a whim after craving that signature blend of cheeses and rich sauce. What surprised me most was how simple it was to achieve the same restaurant-quality flavor right at home! Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Get ready to fall head over heels for this copycat recipe. It’s not just delicious—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and saucy.

First off, this dish is incredibly simple to make. With just a few staple ingredients and about 30 minutes of prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option. Whether you're preparing for a dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, this baked ziti reheats beautifully.

Plus, the blend of five cheeses creates the ultimate melty, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the pasta and sauce. From mozzarella to ricotta, each cheese adds its own unique texture and flavor.

Finally, it’s customizable! You can easily add veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno lies in its perfectly balanced combination of cheeses and sauces. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient shine:

Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta is ideal for soaking up the marinara and Alfredo sauces. Penne is a great substitute if you can’t find ziti.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred marinara or make your own for extra flavor. Its tangy, herby notes are key to the dish’s signature taste.
Alfredo Sauce: The creamy richness of Alfredo sauce balances the marinara beautifully. Store-bought works fine, but a homemade version elevates the dish even more.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Mozzarella’s gooey texture is essential for the melty topping we all love.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the dish’s base layers and balances the tang of the marinara.
Parmesan Cheese: Its nutty, salty flavor deepens the cheesy layers. Grate it fresh if you can.
Romano Cheese: Slightly sharper than Parmesan, this cheese adds complexity to the flavor profile.
Fontina Cheese: Its buttery and mild flavor rounds out the cheese blend perfectly.
Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhance the dish’s flavor without overpowering it.

You’ll also need a large casserole dish for baking and an oven-safe skillet if you plan to sauté garlic or brown any add-ins like meat or veggies.

How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creating this restaurant-quality dish is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps to bring it all together:

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling your ziti pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and half of the mozzarella. Stir in a pinch of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Layer the sauces: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish. Combine the remaining marinara with the Alfredo sauce, then toss it with the cooked pasta.
Assemble the dish: Add half of the pasta mixture to the dish, top it with the cheese blend, and repeat the layers. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Fontina cheese.
Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage Options

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the entire casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ways to customize it:

Add protein: Mix in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or even shrimp for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian twist: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini to boost the veggie content.
Spice it up: Use spicy marinara or sprinkle red pepper flakes between the layers for extra heat.
Gluten-free option: Swap the ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces are gluten-free too.
Lighten it up: Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella, or substitute half-and-half for the Alfredo sauce.

Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or treating your family to a cheesy, satisfying dinner, this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for the full Olive Garden experience. Enjoy!