Olive Garden Ziti Fritta
Olive Garden's Ziti Fritta recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional baked ziti by combining it with a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. Filled with melted mozzarella cheese and fried to perfection, this dish is an irresistible treat for any pasta lover. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, Ziti Fritta delivers the perfect balance of textures—chewy, cheesy pasta inside, with a crunchy outside. Paired with marinara sauce for dipping, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 3 Shallow bowls (for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs)
- 1 Frying pan/skillet (for frying the ziti)
- Tongs or slotted spoon (for flipping the ziti)
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
- Large plate or serving platter (for serving)
- Cooking thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
Ingredients
- 12 oz Ziti pasta
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Marinara sauce optional, for dipping
Instructions
Cook the Ziti Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Once the pasta has cooled, combine the cooked ziti with shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in cheese.
Set Up Breading Station:
- In three separate shallow bowls, place the following:
Flour in the first bowl
- Beaten eggs (with a pinch of salt and pepper) in the second bowl
- A mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano in the third bowl.
Coat the Ziti:
- Take each piece of ziti and dip it into the flour, followed by the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere properly.
Fry the Ziti:
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the breaded ziti in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
Drain and Serve:
- Place the fried ziti on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover Ziti Fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispy texture.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the crispiest outcome. Too high or too low of a temperature can affect the texture.
- Substitutes: Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you're looking for a gluten-free version of Ziti Fritta.
- Make it Healthier: Air frying or baking Ziti Fritta instead of deep frying can lower the calorie content and still result in a crispy finish.