Description
Olive garden five cheese ziti al forno delivers rich Italian comfort on a plate. Creamy pasta layers with melted cheeses create a memorable meal that beckons diners to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheeses:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by combining marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, and all five cheeses in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture.
- Gently fold the cooked ziti into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
- Transfer the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Prepare a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly across the pasta surface for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality cheeses to elevate the flavor profile and create a more luxurious dish.
- Toast breadcrumbs before adding to enhance their nutty, golden-brown crispiness.
- Swap ziti with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture.
- Consider reducing red pepper flakes for a milder taste or omitting for kid-friendly meals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg