Go Back

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring a blend of five cheeses, perfectly baked until bubbly and golden.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until pale golden.
  4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in all five cheeses until smooth and velvety.
  6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  7. Drain pasta and toss with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Layer marinara and ziti mixture in a baking dish if desired.
  9. Top with extra cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.