There's nothing quite like the rich, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. This baked pasta dish combines tender ziti with a luscious five-cheese blend and a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food.
I first tried this dish on a family trip to Olive Garden, and it was love at first bite. The gooey cheese, the perfectly baked pasta, and the deliciously crispy topping had me hooked. After a little experimenting in my own kitchen, I discovered how easy it is to recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent, cheesy pasta bake. It’s everything you love about Olive Garden’s version—warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—but made right in your own kitchen.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. No need to wait for a table—this dish is just as satisfying at home.
The five-cheese blend is what makes this recipe truly special. A mix of ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and Romano creates the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and melty goodness in every bite.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe is a total winner. It makes a generous portion, so whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, you’ll have plenty to go around.
Best of all, it’s a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble everything in advance, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this baked ziti lies in its combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
Ziti Pasta is the foundation of this dish. Its tube shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni make great substitutes.
Marinara Sauce adds rich tomato flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought marinara, but if you have time, homemade marinara takes this dish to the next level.
Alfredo Sauce is the secret ingredient that gives this dish its creamy texture. The combination of marinara and Alfredo creates a beautifully balanced sauce that’s both tangy and rich.
Five-Cheese Blend is what makes this pasta bake irresistible. You’ll need ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for that perfect melt, Parmesan and Romano for a salty bite, and fontina for extra depth.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs create that signature crispy topping. They add a nice contrast to the gooey cheese and make the dish even more satisfying.
If you want to make your life even easier, a large baking dish and some foil will help with even baking and easy cleanup.
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this baked ziti is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to recreate the famous Olive Garden dish in your own kitchen.
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it just shy of al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. It will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing even more flavor.
While the pasta cooks, mix the sauces together. In a large bowl, combine the marinara and Alfredo sauce, stirring until well blended. This creamy tomato base is what makes the dish so unique.
Next, assemble the cheese mixture. In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina. Stir in a little Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Once the pasta is done, combine everything. Toss the cooked ziti with the sauce until it’s fully coated. Then, gently fold in the cheese mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top, then finish with a generous layer of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to scoop.
Storage Options
This ziti is just as delicious the next day, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit!
Freezing: If you want to freeze it, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat a single portion, microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For best results, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the pasta mixture before baking. It adds extra protein and heartiness.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the Alfredo sauce for a lower-fat alternative, like a light cream sauce or even Greek yogurt mixed with Parmesan. It will still be creamy without being quite as indulgent.
Want to add some vegetables? Try stirring in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. They add great texture and extra nutrients without compromising the dish’s classic flavor.
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Most major grocery stores carry high-quality gluten-free versions of both.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or top with a drizzle of hot honey after baking. The sweet heat pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
No matter how you customize it, this baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of this Olive Garden classic—cheesy, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Recreate the famous Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at home with this delicious baked pasta dish. Loaded with five cheeses, a creamy marinara sauce, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, this comfort food favorite is easy to make and irresistibly cheesy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- 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
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded Romano cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and provolone cheese.
- Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute penne pasta if ziti is unavailable.
- Add grilled chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
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