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Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
Why Make This Recipe
If you love cheesy pasta dishes, then the Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat recipe is a must-try for you! This delicious meal combines layers of creamy cheeses and ziti pasta, all baked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. The beauty of making this dish at home is that you control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring it’s just to your liking. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of baked cheese wafting through your kitchen!
This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also yields generous portions, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find that this ziti dish comes together quickly and easily. Let’s dive into how you can bring the taste of Olive Garden right into your own home.
How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
Baked Ziti is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, cheesy meal that everyone will love. Below, you will find everything you need to make this comforting dish, including a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
To make the Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, do not rinse.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture, coat evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses (reserve some mozzarella for topping).
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread evenly.
- Top with reserved mozzarella and sprinkle bread crumbs for crunch.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
Serving your Five Cheese Baked Ziti is simple and can be done in several delightful ways. You can serve it hot straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. This delicious pasta dish is also great for leftovers, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
To enhance the dining experience, consider offering a variety of condiments such as crushed red pepper, extra Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate the flavors even further.
How to Store Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
Storing leftover Baked Ziti is easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool the Dish: After serving, allow the ziti to cool down to room temperature.
- Transfer: If you have leftovers in the baking dish, you can either cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or you can transfer the leftover ziti to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the dish in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze (Optional): If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the baked ziti. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
To ensure your Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti is a hit, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Pasta: Ziti is traditional, but you can substitute with other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni if needed.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Adding provolone or cheddar can give it a unique twist.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition of your dish by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the sauce mixture.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a creamier ziti, add more heavy cream or cheese to the sauce. For a more traditional flavor, you could skip the heavy cream.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as it is, there are many variations you can try:
- Meat Lovers Version: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to create a heartier dish full of protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and enhance the recipe with your favorite veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version that will warm you up!
Feel free to get creative with your Baked Ziti to make it your own!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and place it in the fridge a day before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on what you use.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for quick heating. If using the oven, cover it with foil to keep it moist.
4. How long does Baked Ziti last in the fridge or freezer?
When stored properly, cooked Baked Ziti can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
By following this recipe and tips, you can create a comforting dish that rivals the famed Olive Garden. Enjoy your homemade Five Cheese Baked Ziti, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!
Print
Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti Copycat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti dish inspired by Olive Garden, featuring a blend of five delicious cheeses and ziti pasta baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, do not rinse.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture, coat evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses (reserve some mozzarella for topping).
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread evenly.
- Top with reserved mozzarella and sprinkle bread crumbs for crunch.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Pairs well with garlic bread and a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, Olive Garden, comfort food, Italian recipe
