There's nothing quite like the rich, cheesy comfort of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This restaurant favorite combines tender ziti pasta, a creamy five-cheese blend, and a perfectly golden breadcrumb topping that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
I first tried recreating this dish on a rainy evening when a trip to Olive Garden wasn’t in the cards. After a few tweaks to the recipe, it’s now a family favorite that we enjoy right at home. It’s quick, easy, and irresistibly cheesy, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to fall head over heels for this cheesy masterpiece. This recipe combines rich, indulgent flavors with a simplicity that makes it perfect for any occasion.
First, it’s an easy weeknight dinner. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. Plus, most of the time is hands-off while the oven does its magic!
It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic restaurant dish. Instead of dining out, you can serve this meal at home for a fraction of the cost, with plenty of leftovers to boot.
This dish is also endlessly customizable. Whether you want to add protein, swap out cheeses, or sneak in some veggies, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Finally, that gooey cheese and crispy breadcrumb topping create a contrast in texture that’s pure magic. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. Ready to make it? Let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this ziti lies in the blend of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays an important role in the dish.
The ziti pasta is the base of this recipe. Its tubular shape perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you can’t find ziti, penne is a great alternative.
For the cheese blend, we’re using ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and asiago. These cheeses create a rich, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of tanginess and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Freshly grated parmesan and asiago are key for that authentic Olive Garden flavor.
The sauce is a combination of marinara sauce and alfredo sauce. This pairing brings the perfect blend of tangy tomato and creamy richness to the dish. Use your favorite store-bought brands or make them from scratch if you have the time.
The breadcrumbs take the topping to the next level. Tossed with melted butter and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, they crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding a crunchy finish.
You’ll also need a casserole dish to bake everything to bubbly, golden perfection. Let’s get cooking!
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this dish at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your cheese blend. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and asiago cheese with a splash of cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, combine marinara sauce and alfredo sauce. Mix well to create a rich, creamy tomato base for the pasta.
Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara-alfredo sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer the pasta to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, creating a thick, creamy layer. Top it all off with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Italian seasoning.
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – it’s worth the wait!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This ziti is just as delicious the next day. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, but the breadcrumb topping will lose some of its crunch.
If you want to make it ahead of time, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to account for the chilled starting temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own!
Add protein like cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal. Simply mix the protein into the pasta and sauce before layering the cheese.
If you want a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini. These veggies pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and add a fresh twist.
For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. The flavors will still shine through, and everyone can enjoy this classic dish.
Want to experiment with the cheese blend? Swap out one of the cheeses for provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
No marinara or alfredo on hand? You can use a homemade béchamel sauce or a jar of vodka sauce for an equally delicious result.
This Olive Garden-inspired Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a guaranteed hit, whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its rich, cheesy goodness and endless possibilities, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Savor the creamy and cheesy delight of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe. This baked ziti dish features a rich blend of five cheeses, a savory marinara and Alfredo sauce mix, and perfectly cooked pasta for an irresistible comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese and sauce mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the baked ziti before serving.
- To save time, use store-bought marinara and Alfredo sauces.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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