CopyCat Olive Garden Baked Ziti You Can Make at Home!

When it comes to comforting and satisfying Italian-American dishes, Olive Garden’s baked ziti stands out as a classic favorite. This indulgent recipe brings together layers of perfectly baked pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses to create a dish that is loved by all.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a casual gathering with friends, or simply craving a hearty meal at home, baked ziti offers the perfect balance of flavor and ease.

Why It’s a Favorite Dish for Family Meals, Gatherings, and Casual Dining

Baked ziti is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility.

With just a few ingredients and easy preparation steps, it’s the ideal dish for feeding a crowd, whether you’re cooking for a large family or hosting a gathering.

The combination of hearty pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese makes it universally loved, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.

In family settings, baked ziti is often the go-to comfort food because it’s filling and delicious, but also easy to customize to suit different tastes.

You can add vegetables, switch up the protein, or even make it vegetarian—making it a flexible dish that accommodates a variety of preferences.

For casual dining occasions, its rich flavors and satisfying portions create the perfect centerpiece for a meal that feels both special and approachable.

Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or a showstopper at a celebration, Olive Garden’s baked ziti has earned its place as a beloved dish that brings joy and nourishment to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Olive Garden Baked Ziti

To make Olive Garden’s baked ziti at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Pasta:

• Ziti Pasta: The star of the dish, ziti pasta’s tubular shape is perfect for soaking up the sauce and cheese. You’ll need about a pound of dried ziti.

Meat and Sauce:

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Traditionally, baked ziti is made with ground beef or Italian sausage for a hearty and flavorful base. You can also use a combination of both or opt for a meatless version by substituting with plant-based options.
• Marinara Sauce: This is the key to the rich, tomato-based sauce that envelops the pasta. You’ll need about 4 cups of marinara sauce, either store-bought or homemade.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors.

Cheeses:

• Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey, cheesy texture on top of the baked ziti. About 2 cups of shredded mozzarella is needed.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
• Ricotta Cheese (Optional): For an extra creamy and rich layer, you can add about 1 cup of ricotta cheese. It gives the dish an indulgent, velvety texture.

Additional Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the meat and garlic.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Fresh basil or parsley can be used for garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Olive Garden Baked Ziti

Making Olive Garden-inspired baked ziti at home is an easy and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create the perfect dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the ziti bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection.

While the oven is heating, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ziti Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).

Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Brown the Ground Meat with Garlic and Italian Seasoning

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Stir occasionally, allowing it to brown and cook through. After about 5-7 minutes, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the herbs infuse into the meat.

4. Combine Meat Sauce with Marinara and Simmer

Once the meat is browned and the garlic is aromatic, pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Mix the Pasta, Sauce, and Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring that every piece of pasta is well-coated. If you’re using ricotta cheese, gently fold it into the pasta and sauce mixture for a rich and creamy texture.

Next, add 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, reserving some cheese to sprinkle on top.

6. Bake the Ziti to Golden, Melty Perfection

Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

7. Garnish and Serve: The Final Touches

Once the baked ziti is finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the ziti alongside a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine to complete your Italian-inspired meal.

By following these simple steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering Olive Garden-inspired baked ziti that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

Tips for Making the Best Olive Garden Baked Ziti at Home

Making the perfect baked ziti at home requires a few simple tricks to elevate the flavor and texture of the dish.

Here are some tips to ensure your baked ziti turns out just as delicious as the one served at Olive Garden:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente, meaning it’s still firm when bitten. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy once baked.

2. Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is the backbone of this dish, so choosing a high-quality, flavorful sauce can make a huge difference. If you have the time, consider making your own sauce for a more personalized touch.

3. Mix Cheeses for the Best Texture

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but for extra creaminess, don’t skip the ricotta cheese. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap in part-skim ricotta or mozzarella.

4. Add Fresh Garlic and Herbs for Extra Flavor

While store-bought marinara can provide the base flavor, adding fresh garlic and Italian seasoning (such as basil, oregano, and thyme) will give the sauce an extra layer of depth. Fresh herbs like basil can also be used for garnish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

5. Bake with Foil, Then Remove for a Crispy Top

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to ensure the ziti cooks evenly and stays moist. In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly, creating a perfect golden crust.

6. Make It Ahead of Time

If you’re preparing the dish in advance, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Conclusion

Recreating Olive Garden’s baked ziti at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. With its hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish has all the comforting qualities that make it a family favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or enjoying a cozy meal with loved ones, homemade baked ziti brings a taste of Italian-American goodness straight to your kitchen. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Olive Garden Baked Ziti Vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely! To make the dish vegetarian, simply substitute the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or lentils. The marinara sauce and cheese will still provide the rich flavors that make this dish so satisfying.

2. Can I Freeze Baked Ziti for Later?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. To freeze, prepare the dish as directed and assemble it in a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted.

3. How Can I Make My Baked Ziti Extra Creamy?

To make your baked ziti extra creamy, add more ricotta cheese to the mixture, or consider adding a layer of béchamel (white sauce) between the pasta and sauce. You could also use a bit of heavy cream in the sauce to enhance its richness.

4. Can I Use Another Type of Pasta for Baked Ziti?

While ziti is the traditional pasta used in this dish, you can easily substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or any other similar-sized pasta. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce and cheese.

5. How Do I Store Leftover Baked Ziti?

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.