There's nothing quite like the comforting, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This baked pasta dish is loaded with creamy, melty cheeses and zesty marinara, making it a family favorite for dinner any day of the week.

I first recreated this recipe at home when craving restaurant-style comfort food that wouldn’t break the bank. To my surprise, it quickly became a household staple—perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a pasta craving. Let me show you how to bring this Italian classic to your table!
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to embrace a dinner recipe that combines ease, flavor, and indulgence in one irresistible dish. This Olive Garden-inspired recipe is bound to become your go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder—perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours cleaning up.
Second, this recipe is a cheese lover’s dream. Packed with five different kinds of cheese—mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Romano, and ricotta—every bite is a creamy, flavorful delight. The melted cheese topping creates a golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
It’s also versatile and customizable. Whether you prefer a meat-free version or want to add proteins like chicken or sausage, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit your tastes.
Finally, it’s budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Skip the takeout and save money by making this at home. It’s perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in achieving the restaurant-quality taste we all love.
The pasta forms the base of this recipe. Ziti is the traditional choice, but you can also use penne or rigatoni for a similar texture. Their tubular shapes hold the sauce and cheese perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
For the marinara sauce, use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version. Opt for one with a rich, robust flavor to complement the cheeses. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
The cheese blend is where this recipe truly shines. Mozzarella and provolone melt beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture. Ricotta adds creaminess, while Parmesan and Romano provide sharp, salty notes that enhance the dish's overall flavor.
To achieve the signature baked topping, a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan is sprinkled over the dish before baking. This step adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy pasta beneath.
You’ll also need a deep baking dish and an oven preheated to 375°F to bring this recipe to life.
How to Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Recreating this restaurant classic at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof dish every time.
Start by cooking your ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, grated Parmesan, and grated Romano. Stir until well blended, then set aside.
Next, assemble the dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by a generous layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of marinara, pasta, and cheese.
Top it all off with more marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan. This step creates the golden, crispy crust that makes this dish so irresistible.
Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to set slightly.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem. This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
To refrigerate, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. When properly stored, the ziti will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating to keep the pasta moist.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some ideas to customize your Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno:
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian twist: Mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to add color and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Lighter version: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter yet still delicious dish.
With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and endless customization options, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Learn how to make Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at home! This cheesy baked pasta recipe is packed with flavor from five kinds of cheese, hearty marinara sauce, and creamy Alfredo. Perfect for dinner or special occasions, this Italian comfort food will satisfy the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses.
- Layer the remaining pasta on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno!
Notes
- You can substitute penne for ziti if needed.
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
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