Olive Garden Baked Ziti Recipe

This copycat baked ziti Olive Garden recipe is hearty, delicious and loaded with flavor. The ingredients are simple but include 5 cheeses, marinara and alfredo sauce. All mixed with simple seasoning and pasta to make the ultimate baked ziti recipe. This is one of our favorite Christmas pasta dish.

You might also like Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli and Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms.

Why We Love This Recipe

This baked ziti recipe Olive Garden copycat version makes the best weeknight meal. This simple ingredients makes this a family favorite. The creamy texture and cheesy center makes this the perfect dish to serve for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the recipe card.

Substitutions and Additions

• Add Meat – This Olive Garden Five Cheese ziti is loaded with cheese. But you can add in meat. We recommend ground beef or ground turkey, but shrimp would also be a delicious alternative.
• Pasta – You can easily change the pasta in this recipe. Rigatoni noodles or Penne Noodles are always good options.
• Ricotta Cheese – Instead of ricotta cheese feel free to substitute with cottage cheese for delicious variation.
• Gluten Free – If you are on a gluten free diet, you can still enjoy this recipe. Switch the pasta to a gluten free option and the bread crumbs. Be sure to check the other ingredients.
• Cheese – Feel free to change out the cheese to what you can find. Mozzarella Fontina cheese is sometimes hard to find but you can just use more Mozzarella Cheese.
• Sauce – We used store bought alfredo sauce and marinara sauce for this recipe. But you can easily make your own if you prefer.
• Garlic – Minced garlic is what we use for this Olive Garden 5 Cheese Ziti. But you can use garlic powder as an easy substitute.

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1 – Heat oven and prepare baking pan – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
• Step 2 – Cook Ziti – Cooked the pasta based on the package directions to al dente.  Drain and set aside.

Step 3 – In a large mix bowl, stir together marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, fontina cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Step 4 – Then gently fold the cooked ziti into this sauce mixture.

Step 5 – Then pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. In a separate bowl, stir together the topping ingredients.  Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture on top of the pasta in the pan.

Step 6 – Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Noodles – Make sure to cook the noodles al dente before mixing with the other ingredients. We allow the ziti to cook over medium heat until cooked in olive oil.
• Combining the Ingredients – When mixing the ingredients together, make sure the ziti is completely covered before adding to baking dish.
• Prepare Baking Dish – Before pour the ziti mixture in the baking dish, it is a good idea to spray with cooking spray. This makes for an easy clean up and prevents the mixture from sticking to the pan.
• Parmesan Romano Cheese – We love to top our baked ziti with this parmesan Romano cheese blend. But you can use mozzarella if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread Sticks – We love to make these cheese bread sticks. It pairs well with this ziti dish and allows to get the last drop of the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – This bake ziti is rich and hearty, so I like to make sides that are light. Roasted broccoli or asparagus is always a good option and easy to make.
• Garden Salad – Make a side salad loaded with vegetables for an easy side with this baked ziti.

Can Baked Ziti be Prepared Ahead of Time?

Sometimes if I have a busy week planned, I like to go ahead and make this ahead of time. Then when we are running around from numerous activities, I don’t have to worry about dinner or being tempted to get take out.

Prepare the Olive Garden Ziti as indicated in the recipe. Place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours instead of baking it.

Then when you are ready to bake, allow to come to room temperature. Then bake as normal or until the ziti is heated through. This is extremely helpful to utilize during busy seasons.