Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Dive into layers of tender pasta coated in a luscious blend of five cheeses, baked to golden perfection with Five Cheese Ziti al Forno.

Let’s talk about a dish that has won the hearts of my entire family: the incredible Five Cheese Ziti al Forno! Imagine this: perfectly cooked ziti pasta, each tube smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with a golden brown, crispy panko mixture on top.

It’s like bringing a piece of Olive Garden right into your own kitchen but at a fraction of the price!

This ziti recipe is seriously tasty and I’ve got a recipe for you that is no problem to put together. It’s a copycat version of a dish you might just be familiar with. Let’s get into it!

So here it is – a delicious, easy recipe for Five Cheese Ziti al Forno that brings the taste of Olive Garden into your kitchen. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.

This dish is a wonderful way to explore different cheeses and pasta sauces, making it a versatile and endlessly customizable meal. So, don your apron, grab your baking dish, and let’s bring this tasty pasta dinner to life! 

Common Questions About Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Yes! You can easily substitute regular ziti pasta with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs. We’re lucky these days that we have so many options for people with those needs. Don’t we live in an amazing time?

What If I Don’t Have All Five Cheeses?

No worries! You can use a blend of whatever kinds of cheese you have – even a three-cheese blend will still be delicious. I will say that using all five cheeses really brings a lot of flavor to the dish.

So, it’s not necessary, but it does level things up if you can get the Italian 5 cheese blend.

Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare it, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.

You might even find that the flavor is better when it’s had some time to marinate together. Plus, it’s always nice to save time on the day you’re planning to serve it!

Storage

I love leftover pasta dishes! So do my kids, come to think of it. It’s great to have something you can just heat up in the microwave and enjoy.

Refrigerator

In an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days.

Freezer

Freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat. I recommend the microwave or air fryer.

Tips

I’ve got some great recommendations here to make sure this all goes smoothly. You’re gonna make some of the best pasta ever!

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep it al dente for the best texture.
• Creamy Sauce: A blend of marinara and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce.
• Cheese Layer: Layer the cheese blend for ooey-gooey goodness.
• Crispy Topping: Buttered breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch.
• Oven Watch: Bake until it’s golden brown but not burnt.
• Garnish: Fresh basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

Ingredients

If you’ve never had ziti, it’s a tubular pasta that’s a lot like macaroni. Only it’s a bit longer. You’ll love this ziti dish!

• Ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Italian cheese blend
• Pasta water
• Salt and black pepper
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Italian seasoning
• Melted butter
• Fresh basil or parsley

How to Make Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

As the instructions say, make sure to cook the pasta al dente. That means it’s still firm in the middle. You’ll be cooking it twice, after all!

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 
2. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions for al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water before draining. 
4. Drain the pasta when it’s done, but leave it slightly undercooked since it will continue to cook in the oven.
5. In a medium saucepan, bring the marinara and heavy cream to a simmer, stirring as needed to avoid burning. 
6. Add 3 cups of the cheese blend to the sauce and stir until melted. 
7. Add up to 2 cups of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce become smooth and creamy.
8. Pour the sauce over the drained noodles and toss until coated. Transfer the noodles to the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the top of the noodles.
10. Then mix the bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Stir in the butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese layer.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
12. Remove the Ziti al Forno from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring tools
• Stirring spoon

What to Serve With Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

I’ll bet you have a favorite food to serve along with pasta like this. If we were at Olive Garden we’d have an endless salad! 

• A crispy, green salad with Italian dressing. 
• Garlic bread or rolls (you have to have bread with this, haha)
• Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
• Some parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the top.

Why You Should Make Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Sometimes it’s just fun to make something that you’ve had at a restaurant. It’s like you’re the chef and your family are the customers! 

• Cheese Lover’s Paradise: A baked blend of Italian cheeses in every bite.
• Comfort Food at its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
• Perfect for Gatherings: A hit at any special gathering or family dinner.
• Olive Garden at Home: Like the Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, but homemade.

Variations and Add-Ins for Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

If you’ve got any great ideas for ingredients to add or steps to change, let me know in the comments. I always love hearing from you!

• Meat Lovers’ Delight: Add cooked ground beef or sausage.
• Veggie Mix-In: Spinach or mushrooms for a nutritious twist.
• Extra Cheesy: Swap in some Fontina cheese or cream cheese.
• Alfredo Style: Use homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.

If you love this easy pasta recipe, you’re going to love these other pasta dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Copycat Recipes

Crazy Bread – Copycat Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken – Copycat Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake

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