This copycat recipe brings the beloved Olive Garden Five Cheese Baked Ziti right to your kitchen. It’s a comforting and cheesy pasta dish that features a delightful blend of five different cheeses, marinara sauce, and ziti pasta, all baked to perfection.
The recipe is simple to follow and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can easily adjust the cheese blend to include your favorites or add cooked meat for extra protein.
Delicious Five Cheese Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dining table.
With layers of ziti pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and a delightful blend of five cheeses, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and romano creates a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite a true delight.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cooking the ziti pasta until al dente is crucial, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Once drained, set the pasta aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a cup of mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and romano.
Add an egg along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Mix everything until well combined, creating a luscious filling that will complement the pasta beautifully.
Layering the Dish
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
This not only prevents sticking but also adds moisture to the dish.
Next, layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat this process, finishing with a final layer of marinara sauce on top.
To top it off, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
This will create a beautiful, bubbly crust when baked.
Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
After this initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Pair the baked ziti with a slice of garlic bread and a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
This combination creates an inviting Italian dining atmosphere that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This hearty dish serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for sharing.
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with a balance of protein and carbohydrates that will satisfy your hunger.
With 25 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it’s a filling option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Delicious Five Cheese Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is layered with a rich marinara sauce and a mixture of five cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and romano. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, romano cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce on top.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g