Creamy and Cheesy Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy pasta experience with Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti. Tender ziti noodles are coated in a rich tomato-cream sauce and layered with mozzarella, ricotta, romano, parmesan, and provolone cheeses for a comfort-food masterpiece. Perfect for family dinners, casual weeknight meals, or entertaining guests, this baked ziti recipe is simple to prepare but impressive on the table. It’s a satisfying dish that combines creamy, gooey cheese with flavorful tomato sauce in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and cheesy for maximum comfort.
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples and fresh cheese.
• Perfect for gatherings, serves a crowd with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile side or main dish that pairs with salads or garlic bread.

Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheeses

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded romano cheese

Seasonings & Extras

• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large skillet, heat marinara sauce and heavy cream over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until smooth.
5. Combine cooked ziti with the sauce, mixing gently to coat all pasta evenly.
6. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of each shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, romano, parmesan) evenly.
7. Add remaining pasta and top with remaining cheeses.
8. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese swaps: Use any favorite melting cheese or extra mozzarella for more gooeyness.
• Make it vegetarian: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Advance prep: Assemble in the dish and refrigerate overnight; bake 10–15 minutes longer.
• Extra crispy topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking uncovered.
• Meal prep tip: Portion leftovers into airtight containers for reheating later.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered to retain moisture.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked in a foil-covered dish for up to 2 months. Bake frozen 45–50 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free ziti or penne works perfectly. Cook according to package directions and check for doneness before baking.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of cream?

Yes, substitute with Alfredo or another cream-based sauce for convenience, but adjust seasonings to balance flavor.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove foil to allow the top layer to brown.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake slightly longer to ensure it’s heated through.

Ready to Make It?

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight indulgences, or when you want a show-stopping baked pasta. Gather your ingredients, layer the ziti and cheeses, and bake to golden perfection. Warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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