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Copycat Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, Baked to Bubbly Perfection

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

A copycat Olive Garden baked pasta casserole layered with five cheeses and a creamy marinara sauce, baked until bubbly and golden on top.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  2. Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Romano, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
  3. Warm the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta with the warm marinara sauce until every piece is coated.
  5. Layer the first half: Spread half of the sauced pasta into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  6. Add the ricotta layer: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and fontina.
  7. Top with remaining pasta: Spread the rest of the sauced pasta over the cheese layer, pressing gently to even it out.
  8. Finish with cheese: Scatter the remaining mozzarella and fontina over the top so the surface is fully covered.
  9. Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, allowing the layers to heat through.
  10. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top turns golden and the edges bubble.
  11. Rest before serving: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes so the layers set and slice cleanly.
  12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the baking dish.