Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

• Ziti pasta: Choose a sturdy tube pasta like ziti so the sauce and cheese cling to every bite
• Bread crumbs: Use fresh or panko for a crunchy golden topping that finishes the dish
• Marinara sauce: Pick a robust jarred sauce or make homemade for rich tomato depth
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious body and a mellow silky texture to the cheese sauce
• Diced tomatoes: Use canned for convenience or ripe fresh ones for an extra taste of summer
• Sugar: Just a small amount balances the tomatoes acidity for a smoother sauce
• Parmesan cheese blend: Try a mix of parmesan romano and asiago for a complex salty tang
• Fontina or Monterey Jack cheese: Both work well for creaminess and melt beautifully
• Mozzarella cheese: Essential for those classic stretchy cheesy ribbons on top

Look for freshly grated cheeses when possible since pre-shredded kinds can be drier and affect melting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the ziti pasta in a large pot of well salted water following the package directions. Stir occasionally and cook until just barely al dente. Drain into a colander and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Toss the pasta with a little oil so it does not stick together while you prep the sauce.

Make the Cheese Marinara Sauce:

In a medium saucepan combine marinara sauce heavy cream diced tomatoes and sugar. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer. Add half the parmesan blend all the fontina and half a cup of mozzarella. Stir gently until everything is fully melted and bubbly creating a smooth velvety sauce.

Combine and Assemble:

Arrange the cooked pasta in an oven safe dish. Pour the hot cheese marinara sauce evenly over the top. Toss lightly if you want every noodle coated or layer for different textures. Sprinkle the surface with the reserved mozzarella and more parmesan.

Add the Topping:

Scatter the bread crumbs evenly so every spoonful gets a little crunch after baking. The bread crumbs will brown quickly under the broiler so keep a close eye.

Broil to Finish:

Place the dish under the broiler and broil just until the cheese blisters and the bread crumb crust turns golden brown. This takes only a couple of minutes so watch carefully to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Once bubbling and golden remove from the oven. Grate fresh parmesan over the top before bringing it to the table for the ultimate aroma.

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I love the cheesy blend in this recipe especially fontina which gives a rich creamy stretch but does not overpower the flavors. Last Thanksgiving my daughter and I layered all that cheese together and she said the best part was watching it melt into strings while we served everyone around the table.

Storage Tips

This baked ziti keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days tightly covered. For longer storage freeze individual portions in airtight containers and reheat from frozen at a low oven temperature until piping hot. Add a splash of milk or cream after reheating to refresh the creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fontina swap for Monterey Jack or just use more mozzarella for a mild melt. Any pasta shape with tubes or ridges will work in a pinch. Mix up the cheese blend using whatever Italian cheeses you have like provolone asiago or extra parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans for a lighter side. Warm garlic bread is a classic and perfect for sopping up leftover sauce. For a heartier meal add roasted chicken or meatballs alongside.

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Cultural Context

Baked ziti has roots in Southern Italian home cooking where oven baked pasta is a staple for family gatherings. The Americanized version adds extra cheese and sauce for a rich comfort dish that fits any celebration and brings families together just like Sunday suppers back in the day.

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of cheese are used?

The ziti combines mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and fontina for a creamy, melty finish with rich flavor depth.

→ Can other types of pasta be substituted?

Yes, penne or rigatoni can substitute for ziti while still capturing the signature texture and sauce adherence.

→ How do you achieve a crispy topping?

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese over the top, then broil briefly until golden and bubbly for crunch.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish ahead, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from chilled as needed for easy meals.

→ Can you use pre-shredded cheese blends?

Pre-shredded blends work for convenience, though grating cheese yourself gives a creamier melt and bolder cheese flavor.