There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy perfection of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender ziti pasta with a rich, velvety sauce and a bubbling, golden-brown cheese topping that will transport you straight to your favorite restaurant.

I first fell in love with this recipe during a family dinner at Olive Garden, and ever since, I've been on a mission to recreate it at home. After some trial and error, I finally nailed it – and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Get ready to enjoy all the flavors of Olive Garden in the comfort of your own kitchen. This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
First, it's packed with cheesy goodness. With a blend of five different cheeses, this dish is creamy, melty, and absolutely irresistible. It’s like a hug in every bite.
Next, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.
This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just feeding your hungry family, this hearty pasta dish will leave everyone satisfied.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies, making it an adaptable recipe for whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ziti pasta forms the base of this recipe. Its tube shape and ridged surface are perfect for holding onto the luscious cheese sauce. Penne is a great alternative if you don’t have ziti.
Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor. Be sure to use whole-milk ricotta for the best results.
Mozzarella cheese is the star of the show, providing that ooey-gooey, melty texture we all love. Shred it yourself for maximum meltability.
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth to the dish. Look for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Fontina cheese is mild and creamy, with a hint of nuttiness that complements the other cheeses beautifully. If you can’t find Fontina, Gruyère is a great substitute.
Provolone cheese rounds out the cheese blend with its sharp, tangy notes. It melts wonderfully and adds a punch of flavor.
For the sauce, you’ll need a combination of marinara sauce and alfredo sauce. This duo creates a creamy, slightly tangy base that ties the whole dish together.
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Creating this iconic pasta dish at home is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
While the pasta is boiling, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until smooth and set aside.
In another bowl, mix equal parts marinara sauce and alfredo sauce. This creates the creamy, flavorful base of the dish. Reserve about a cup of this mixture for the topping.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss it with the cheese mixture and the remaining sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top the pasta with the reserved sauce, then sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
For an extra touch, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve that perfectly golden, crispy cheese layer.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), they store beautifully. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick option, but the oven will help maintain that crispy topping.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.
For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp. Simply stir them into the pasta mixture before baking.
Looking to add more veggies? Sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions.
If you’re watching your carbs, try swapping the ziti for a low-carb pasta alternative or even zucchini noodles.
To make this dish vegetarian, ensure your marinara and alfredo sauces are free of meat-based ingredients. You can also add plant-based protein options like tofu or tempeh.
Feel free to experiment with the cheese blend! Gouda, cheddar, or even a bit of blue cheese can add unique flavors to the dish.
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own twist on it, you’re sure to end up with a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Recreate the iconic Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at home with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Loaded with five types of cheese, marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a rich and satisfying comfort food perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Romano cheese
- ¼ cup Asiago cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses. Stir until combined.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated cheeses.
- You can substitute any cheese variety based on availability.
- Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for a protein-packed version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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