Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Olive Garden's Five Cheese Zito Al Forno

This is mine and mark's absolute favorite dish at olive garden. in fact, its the only thing we ever order because we love it so much. even logan loves it! i was so excited to find this recipe & cant wait to try it next week.

Ingredients:

for the sauce:
4 cups tomato sauce
2 cups alfredo sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons Fontina cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon garlic pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

for the topping:
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons romano cheese, grated
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped

other:
1 lb dry ziti pasta
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded


Directions:
1. Prepare ziti sauce: Combining all ingredients for the Ziti Sauce in a large bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare topping: In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the first four ingredients for the Ziti Topping. Add the garlic, oil, and parsley and mix until thoroughly blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish or large casserole with non-stick spray.
4. Prepare the pasta according to package directions.
5. Pour 1/2 cup of prepared ziti sauce into the prepared dish, and spread it evenly over the bottom using a spoon.
6. When pasta has finished cooking, drain the water and pour the hot pasta into the bowl of remaining sauce. Mix thoroughly; pour into the baking dish.
7. Spread 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta and sauce mixture.
8. Top the mozzarella with the prepared Ziti Topping, spreading evenly.
9. Place pan on center oven rack and bake until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling, about 30 to 40 minutes.
10. Remove and serve immediately.

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