Olive Garden Ziti
This Olive Garden Ziti recipe brings the beloved restaurant dish to your home with layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It's an easy-to-make, comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner, special occasions, or a cozy night in. Whether you’re serving it on its own or alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Simple yet flavorful, this copycat version of Olive Garden's classic Ziti will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (if using meat)
- 1 large baking dish (9x13 inch)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 spoon or spatula for stirring
- Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti pasta or penne or rigatoni
- 1 jar 24 oz Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb Ground beef or Italian sausage optional
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- Pinch Red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp Olive oil for sautéing, if using meat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat (optional):
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet or a separate pot, add the marinara sauce. Stir in basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Ziti:
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
- Let the Ziti sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. You can assemble the Ziti, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cook time.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and consider adding more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach, for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. For a sharper flavor, you can use aged provolone or a mix of cheeses like Gouda.