Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti al Forno (Copycat Recipe)

This rich and creamy Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a delightful blend of five different cheeses baked to perfection with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a touch of Italian herbs. The combination of gooey, melted cheeses creates a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's a classic Italian-American recipe that captures the essence of traditional flavors while being easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
6. Layer the ziti and cheese mixture over the sauce, then top with the remaining marinara sauce.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.