Use What You Have
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe
This copycat Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a quick and easy take on the beloved dish, with a creamy and cheesy base that is sure to please everyone. By using jarred sauces and a pre-blended Italian cheese mix, you'll cut down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor. Heres how to make this indulgent, cheesy pasta bake!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 1 (8 ounce) package Italian five cheese blend shredded cheese
- 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Five Cheese Ziti al Forno:
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water, cooking it for 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: Set aside 1/2 cup of the Italian five cheese blend for later. Add the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, the remaining Italian cheese blend, and ricotta cheese to the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta to the dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the reserved 1/2 cup of Italian cheese blend.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors set.
Test Kitchen Tips
- For a time and money-saving option, use a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend. It typically includes five cheeses, all ready to go.
- If you'd prefer, you can make your own Italian cheese blend by using 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup shredded Romano, and 1/2 cup shredded provolone or Asiago cheese.
- If you can't find seasoned panko, you can use plain panko and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
What to Serve With Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Pair this rich, cheesy dish with a side of homemade buttery breadsticks for a complete Olive Garden-inspired meal!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal later on.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 629 |
| Total Fat | 45g |
| Saturated Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 133mg |
| Sodium | 1855mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Vitamin C | 7mg |
| Calcium | 631mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Potassium | 890mg |
Servings per Recipe: 8
History of Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno has its roots in traditional Italian baked pasta dishes, or "al forno," which literally means "from the oven." Originating in southern Italy, these casseroles were designed as hearty, family-style meals using accessible ingredients like pasta, cheeses, and tomato sauces. Over time, Italian immigrants brought the dish to the United States, where it evolved into the richer, cheese-forward version popularized in Italian-American restaurants. The combination of multiple cheeses creates a decadent texture and flavor profile that elevates a simple pasta bake into a celebratory meal.
Regional Variations
While the classic al forno dish comes from southern Italy, regional adaptations vary widely. In Sicily, for example, baked ziti might include eggplant, ricotta, and cured meats, while in Naples, tomato-based sauces dominate, often enriched with mozzarella and pecorino. In the United States, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno frequently incorporates both marinara and Alfredo sauces for a creamy, indulgent twist. Cheeses used may include mozzarella, provolone, Asiago, Romano, and ricotta, reflecting the Italian-American preference for a richer, more complex flavor.
Differences from Similar Dishes
While lasagna is layered with sheets of pasta, sauce, and cheese, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno uses tubular ziti pasta, making it easier to toss with sauces and cheese for even coverage. Compared to a simple baked ziti, this version stands out because it combines multiple cheeses and blends creamy Alfredo sauce with tangy marinara, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The panko and Parmesan topping adds a crunchy texture that differentiates it from other soft, cheesy casseroles.
Serving Traditions
This dish is typically served as a main course in casual Italian-American dining, especially at family dinners and holiday gatherings. It pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Restaurants often present it in a 9x13-inch casserole, allowing diners to scoop generous portions, and leftovers are a welcomed treat for the following days. It is especially popular in comfort food settings where rich, indulgent meals are appreciated.
Interesting Facts
- The five cheeses concept often includes mozzarella, provolone, Asiago, Romano, and ricotta, though variations exist depending on availability and personal taste.
- Using both marinara and Alfredo sauces is a modern adaptation, blending tangy and creamy flavors that are not typical in traditional Italian casseroles.
- Although the dish appears elaborate, it is considered a cheater recipe in home kitchens because it often relies on pre-shredded cheeses and jarred sauces.
- Many Italian-American families have adopted this recipe as a weekly comfort food staple, sometimes modifying it with sausage, vegetables, or extra cheese.
- The golden breadcrumb topping provides not only texture but also a visually appealing finish, a hallmark of baked Italian dishes meant for sharing.
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FAQ about Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe
Comments
Nancy W
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I made this recipe exactly as written except I used Italian bread crumbs for the topping because I didn’t have any panko. And used grated Romano cheese in place of Parmesan because we like it better. It was delicious. I will definitely make it again but only occasionally as a treat due to high calorie count.
ModestStove2521
12/19/2023 01:49:49 AM
This looked like it was going to be too wet so I withheld the last couple of spoonfuls of marinara sauce, but after baking it was just right. Easy, tasty. The buttery, garlicky crumbs made it a bit special. (One reviewer objected to using canned/jarred ingredients. If that is a concern for you, move on to a different recipe 🤣🤣🤣.)
DREGINEK
01/31/2024 03:52:41 AM
I halved this to serve 2 (which is still serves 4 - ahhh….leftovers!). I did coin some chicken sausage that was seasoned with Italian seasonings; I sautéd this, along with some mushrooms, while the pasta was cooking. Mixed all together in Step 5. Day 1 - this was really good. Day 2 - flavors melded and this was licked clean. PS - to people who think “everything” needs to be made using fresh (not using canned ingredients) - tsk tsk!! This is a great, easy, budget-friendly, weeknight meal! Thanks Juliana!!
OldGrunt
05/26/2024 12:51:14 PM
I added 1 lbs of cooked, loose Italian sausage to the pasta and sauces. I also subbed cottage cheese for the ricotta. It was quite the hit with my family! Definitely a keeper!
1010lisalynn
03/12/2024 06:14:00 AM
Magnificent flavor, I almost at the dish I served it on! I halved the recipe and cooked it in an 8”x8” glass pan. We still had plenty of leftovers. Like another reviewer I was worried there was too much sauce – worry for naught as it was just perfect. I made one itty bity change and that was to add ½ a cup of raw diced zucchini to the bowl when mixing the sauces into the pasta. Tonight, I felt the need for green. My husband said the addition of the zuke made it even better as he tried one bite with and one without the al dente squash. Finally, I made garlic cheese bread to soak up any sauce left on the plate and a sprig of Italian parsley for garnish. To me garnishes are food jewelry!
chris
01/06/2024 12:44:09 AM
Delicious and cheesy. The topping gives it a light crunch and added flavor. Would add another 1/2lb of pasta, for we had alot of sauce following recipe as is.
Diana Santiago
11/03/2024 10:49:43 PM
So I made this as instructed, except I didn't have marinara sauce, so I used tomato basil sauce, plus the I accidentally added the Parmesan cheese to the microwave, so I had to add extra Parmesan cheese and address some leftover ground beef.
D Nathan Karpf
11/23/2024 11:39:59 PM
Made it tonight for dinner added a little extra cheese on top and added a little extra panko to give it just a touch more crumble topping and a bit of extra garlic.
terri
08/30/2024 02:23:23 PM
Very tasty and I used only half the Alfredo the recipe calls for. Next time I will use additional ricotta. Highly recommend!
Juliette
06/06/2024 03:54:56 PM
I like how quickly it was to prepare, but it definitely a bit more flavor. We topped it with garlic and that helped but agreed it would have benefited from some spicy Italian sausage.
Tammy
08/28/2025 01:19:40 PM
I added a pound of italian sausage and a bit more cheese.
Tammy
08/28/2025 01:19:40 PM
I added a pound of italian sausage and a bit more cheese.
yajii
05/03/2025 12:18:36 AM
Made this for dinner tonight - it turned out pretty darn good. Very generous amount will keep the three of us fed for a few more days. Stuck pretty much to the recipe. We might increase the amount of 5 cheese blend next time, especially on top. Also plan to increase the crumb topping by at least half, just because it's so good! Thanx for sharing!
Rebecca Cruz
04/23/2025 09:22:42 PM
I’m obsessed — so good!
April McCracken
02/05/2025 11:50:42 PM
Super easy , and very filling. It is a rich dish with all the cheese, so you don't need a large serving. I used it as a side. Plenty of leftovers!
Bill
01/19/2025 05:37:40 PM
The only change I made was leaving off one of the jars of marinara.
Katie Crogan McLaughlin
01/08/2025 09:44:47 PM
My family and I love this recipe. It's not difficult, but after combining all ingredients- it is heavy! We have lots of leftovers, which is really quite alright with us. ☺️ Do yourself a favor and make this. We have it every 2-3 weeks.
VioletYeast3862
07/14/2024 11:50:03 PM
Everyone loved it. Came out delicious! 🤤
Laurie L
06/16/2024 01:53:02 AM
Awesome! The last section needs more. The 1/4 want enough to cover the whole pan. May substitute bread crumbs for tots crackers and add crab meat
AnneAMPM
05/20/2024 01:10:46 AM
My family loved this pasta dish. Went back for more. My teenagers were asking if it's an easy recipe to make. That's how much they loved it - they want to know about making it themselves.
audio version
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