When it comes to crave-worthy comfort food, Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti al Forno stands out as one of the chain’s most popular dishes. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and has earned a devoted fanbase that keeps coming back for more. While Olive Garden offers a variety of Italian-American staples, this baked pasta has found a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many.
Part of its popularity lies in its indulgent nature. The name itself -“Five Cheese Ziti al Forno” promises a decadent, oven-baked experience. It suggests warmth, richness, and generosity, which are all key elements in comfort food. Diners know what to expect: a hearty portion of pasta covered in a creamy, cheesy blend and finished with a golden-brown topping. It’s a dish that feels homemade, even when ordered from a chain restaurant.
The Five Cheese Ziti has also benefited from social media buzz. Fans often post pictures of the gooey, cheesy pasta on Instagram or rave about it in food reviews. It regularly pops up in copycat recipes online and food challenge videos, proving that it’s not just a restaurant item, it’s a cultural favorite. TikTok foodies and YouTube creators have praised its flavor, size, and how well it reheats, making it a top pick for takeout or leftovers.
Another reason for its popularity is its wide appeal. It’s meatless, making it suitable for vegetarians, but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. It’s family-friendly, rich in flavor, and doesn’t stray too far from classic comfort food flavors, making it a safe yet satisfying option for many diners.
In a world of ever-changing food trends, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno sticks to what works: warm, melty, and familiar. It’s not flashy or experimental, and that’s exactly why people love it. When diners want something filling and delicious, this dish delivers every time, earning its spot as a top menu favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti pasta uncooked
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup asiago cheese grated
- 1/4 cup romano cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, and romano cheeses.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, then serve hot.
Nutrition
So simple and delicious! My kids devoured it and asked for seconds. Will make again!
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try this for my family. Really love that they asked for seconds!
Is this really that good? I tried a similar recipe once and it didn’t turn out great. Maybe I’ll stick to takeout.
Is that even a real restaurant? I ain’t never heard of it. But this dish is good! Even my grandma loved it!
Very delicious, made it for dinner last night and it was a hit! I might just make this for every family gathering!
LOL it’s just pasta, but I guess it’s fine. Mediocre = 3.
Not what I expected. It was a bit dry. I prefer more sauce! 2/5.
I totally agree! It needs way more sauce to be moist. I add extra when I make it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This is too rich for my taste. I guess I prefer simpler dishes. Just my opinion.
Rich? I think this sounds delicious! More cheese is always better! But we all have different tastes, I guess.
I get that! Not everyone likes cheesy, saucy dishes. Have you tried a simpler pasta like aglio e olio? It’s just garlic, olive oil, and pasta! Way easier and lighter.
I used penne instead of ziti and it still worked! Tasty!
Wow, it came out perfectly! Used a jar of homemade sauce instead of marinara, great flavor!
Why you gotta put so much cheese? It gave me a stomach ache. 1 star.
I get it, cheese can be heavy on the stomach. Maybe try cutting down on the cheese next time? 4 stars for the idea though!
1 star for too much cheese? Seems a bit harsh! It’s a five cheese recipe, that’s like its whole thing! 😄
Yum!!😍 I added some cooked sausage and it took it to the next level. Can’t wait to make it again!
It was okay, but too cheesy for my taste. I would give it a 3.
Wow, just wow! Best pasta dish ever! Definitely going to make this again!
Totally agree! This dish is a game changer. I was surprised how easy it was too!
This was sooo good! My family loved it! 5 stars!
Eh, it was alright. But I think it needed more seasoning. I added garlic and it was better.
I totally agree! More seasoning makes a big difference. Garlic is always a good add! Next time, try some red pepper flakes too, gives it a kick! 😋
Seasoning? I thought it was pretty rich already, with all those cheeses. You sure you followed the recipe right? 🤔
This recipe was amazing! It taste just like Olive Garden’s. I couldn’t believe how good it came out!
Glad you loved it! I thought it would be hard to make, but it really turned out well! Thanks for sharing!
I left out the asiago and used cheddar instead. Still turned out yum!
This recipe makes me feel like a chef, so easy! 4 stars from me.
Pretty good but honestly didn’t taste like Olive Garden to me. Need more flavor or something. I would rate it 3.
Honestly, I don’t think it needs more flavor. I thought it was great as it is! Maybe you just don’t like the Olive Garden taste?
I get what you mean! I tried it and added some garlic powder and crushed red pepper to boost the flavor. It made a big difference! Maybe give that a shot next time?
Ziti pasta is overrated! Can’t believe people go crazy for this. I’m a spaghetti person.
5 stars for sure! So cheesy and comforting. The kids loved it, and I didn’t even tell them it was a copycat recipe.
I followed the recipe to a T, but it came out kinda dry. Maybe I should have added more sauce? Not sure, but it was just OK for me.
Eh, it was okay. The cheese was way too much for my taste. Next time I’d go lighter on the cheeses.
This recipe is pure heaven! I made it for my family, and they couldn’t get enough. Honestly, it’s better than Olive Garden!
Tried it, but honestly, too much cheese. I only put half the cheese and it was still rich.
Can I use a different kind of pasta? I’m not a fan of ziti. Still wanna try this though.