If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s delicious baked ziti, then you’re in for a treat with this copycat recipe! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s super easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of Italian sausage, cheeses, and seasonings creates a rich and savory flavor profile that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- With just a few simple steps, this baked ziti can be ready to enjoy in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish. You can use ground beef or turkey as a substitution.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the sausage and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant and aromatic element to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to balance out the richness of the cheeses.
- Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce, you can use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara.
- Salt and Italian seasoning: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Parmesan, asiago, and romano cheeses: Bring a combination of flavors and textures to the baked ziti.
- Small curd cottage cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Heavy cream: Provides richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the ziti for that classic cheesy finish.
- Ziti pasta: The star of the dish, ziti holds up well to the hearty sauce.
- Water: Used to help cook the pasta in the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to degrees F to prepare for baking the ziti at the end.
- In a large non-stick, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, parmesan, asiago, and romano cheeses, mixing well.
- Add water, ziti pasta, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook until the pasta is nearly tender.
- Stir in cooked Italian sausage, heavy cream, and cottage cheese. Adjust seasoning.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy with your loved ones.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for mushrooms or lentils.
- Add some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
- To make it ahead of time, assemble the dish but wait to bake it until you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and meltability.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta in the skillet as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Allow the ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
This baked ziti pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any other similar pasta shape. - Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. - Can I use low-fat or fat-free dairy products?
You can, but the dish may not be as rich and creamy as with full-fat ingredients.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Olive Garden Baked Ziti Copycat Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting Italian dishes. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
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Olive Garden Baked Ziti Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in this savory Olive Garden Baked Ziti Copycat Recipe that combines Italian sausage, ziti pasta, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection. A comforting dish perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup asiago cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup romano cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
Additional:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: Cook ground Italian sausage in a skillet, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil.
- Combine Sauce: Mix in marinara sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, and cheeses.
- Add Pasta: Stir in water, ziti pasta, and cook until almost tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in cooked sausage, cream, cottage cheese, adjust seasoning, top with mozzarella, and bake.
- Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and turkey sausage.