Go Back Email Link
olive garden 5 cheese ziti recipe

5 Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 15 oz whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded fontina
  • 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter

Method
 

  1. Boil the 12 oz ziti in well-salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions (about 8 minutes), then drain and toss lightly with oil.
  2. Combine the 15 oz ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup fontina, 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a large bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Warm the 24 oz marinara over medium heat for 2 minutes, stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream, and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is a uniform pale orange.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 13x9-inch dish with the 1 tbsp butter, spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom, fold the ziti into the cheese mixture, spoon it into the dish, and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  5. Top with the reserved 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan, then bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  6. Rest for 5 minutes, scatter with fresh basil, cut into portions, and serve directly from the dish with crusty bread.

Notes

This dish can be assembled up to a day ahead and refrigerated before baking, which actually makes it a good option for busy evenings. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the top around the 20-minute mark and tent with foil if the cheese is browning before the sauce has had time to bubble. The pasta soaks up more sauce as it sits, so leftovers reheat best with a small splash of water added before covering.