Olive Garden Ziti Al Forno Recipe
If you love cheesy pasta dishes, this Olive Garden Ziti Al Forno Recipe is perfect. It is rich, creamy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
Cook the Ziti Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Italian Seasoning
- Stir in Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta and 1 cup marinara sauce to the cheese mixture. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
Layer in Baking Dish
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the greased dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Add Remaining Sauce
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the pasta layer. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake the Ziti
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes.
Check the Cheese
- Cheese should be melted and bubbly, with a golden top. Let it cool 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for extra creamy texture.
- Do not overcook pasta; it should be firm before baking.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes to set layers.
- Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a meatier version.
- Top with extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.