Craving the cheesy goodness of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno? This recipe brings that restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, so you can enjoy its rich flavors and creamy textures at home. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe is a delightful combination of ziti pasta, five different cheeses, and a delicious marinara sauce baked to perfection. It’s comfort food at its best, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Imagine a dish that captures the essence of warmth and comfort: the Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This delightful recipe transforms your kitchen into a haven of cheesy goodness, reminiscent of cozy nights spent at your favorite Italian restaurant.
Rich layers of ziti pasta meld seamlessly with a mixture of five different cheeses, enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. The combination of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, and ricotta creates a symphony of flavors that will make every bite a memorable indulgence.
Ingredients That Shine
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The ziti pasta serves as a hearty base, while the marinara sauce adds a vibrant touch. Each cheese plays a distinctive role, contributing to the rich, creamy texture that defines this ziti al forno.
Fresh basil brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness, elevating the dish’s flavor profile. The balance of salt and pepper, along with optional red pepper flakes, allows you to customize your comfort food experience, making it as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
Preparation Made Easy
Creating this dish is surprisingly straightforward, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Start by boiling the ziti until al dente, ensuring it retains a bit of firmness to hold up against the rich sauce.
Next, combine the marinara with ricotta and seasonings, then mix in the cooked pasta for a satisfying blend. Layering the pasta with the cheese mixture in a baking dish builds a beautiful structure, guaranteeing each forkful is packed with cheesy goodness.
A Baking Transformation
Once assembled, the dish enters the oven for a transformative baking experience. Covering it with foil helps create steam, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly while the cheese begins to bubble.
Removing the foil towards the end of baking reveals a stunningly golden and bubbly layer of cheese that invites everyone to the table. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delicious meal that’s hard to resist.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve your delicious creation, the presentation is key. Garnish the baked ziti with fresh basil leaves for an appealing finish that enhances both flavor and aesthetics.
Pair the dish with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Each element complements the others beautifully, offering a delightful dining experience.
Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, this dish also provides a satisfying nutritional profile. Each serving packs a hearty combination of carbohydrates and protein, making it a filling option for a main course.
With 550 calories per serving, it strikes a balance between comfort and nourishment, ensuring you enjoy every bite without guilt. This ziti al forno is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings loved ones together around the table.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
This ziti al forno is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that features a blend of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, and ricotta cheeses. The taste is a perfect balance of savory and rich, making every bite an indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and romano cheeses, reserving some for topping.
- Combine and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired dish!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
