There's nothing quite like the comforting, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. With its creamy, melty layers of cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you're a fan of the restaurant version or trying it for the first time, this homemade recipe delivers all the rich, cheesy flavors you love.

I first discovered this dish on a cozy date night at Olive Garden, and it quickly became my go-to order. Recreating it at home was easier than I imagined, and it’s now a family favorite that disappears as soon as it hits the table. Let me show you how to bring this restaurant classic into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Olive Garden-inspired Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With a handful of simple ingredients, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party.
The flavor is out of this world. The combination of five different cheeses—mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina—creates a creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta.
It’s family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Picky eaters and cheese lovers alike can’t resist this dish, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest guests.
Finally, it’s highly customizable. Whether you want to sneak in some veggies, add a protein like chicken or sausage, or make it vegetarian, this recipe adapts to suit your preferences.
Ready to dive into cheesy perfection? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredient Notes

The magic of this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno lies in the blend of cheeses and a few pantry staples. Let’s break it down so you can recreate the magic at home.
Ziti Pasta forms the base of the dish. Its hollow shape and ridges are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni work just as well.
Ricotta Cheese is essential for creating a creamy, smooth texture in the sauce. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor, though part-skim works too.
Mozzarella Cheese, both shredded and cubed, adds gooey, melty goodness to the dish. Fresh mozzarella cubes melt into little pockets of cheese that are pure bliss.
Parmesan, Romano, and Fontina Cheeses round out the blend, providing sharp, nutty, and slightly tangy notes. If you don’t have fontina, Gruyere is a great substitute.
Marinara Sauce brings a tangy, tomatoey base to the dish. You can use your favorite store-bought version or make your own for an extra layer of homemade flavor.
Heavy Cream creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half.
You’ll also need Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to add depth and a touch of spice.
Special Equipment: A large baking dish is key for layering and baking the ziti to golden perfection. A cheese grater and mixing bowls will also come in handy.
How To Make This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Making this restaurant-quality 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. While the oven heats, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in the Parmesan, Romano, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with a pinch of garlic powder and red pepper flakes. This adds a touch of spice and deepens the tomato flavor.
Now it’s time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of the marinara mixture in the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, then top with dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the marinara sauce.
Top everything with the remaining shredded mozzarella and scatter the cubed mozzarella over the top for extra gooeyness.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. The total time, including prep and cooking, is about 40 minutes—perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), this ziti stores beautifully. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze, portion the ziti into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini for extra veggies.
- Protein-Packed: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier version.
- Spicy Twist: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based cheeses and cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Experiment and have fun! This recipe is a great canvas for creativity, and no matter how you customize it, you’re in for a cheesy, comforting treat.
Ready to grab a fork? This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is calling your name! From its creamy layers to its golden-baked crust, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
PrintOlive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe
Recreate Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno at home with this creamy, cheesy, and baked pasta dish. This recipe uses five different cheeses, a rich marinara sauce, and hearty ziti pasta to deliver the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Romano cheese, grated
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Layer with half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and provolone cheeses.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite marinara and Alfredo sauces for a personal touch.
- For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
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