How long to bake pasta in the oven?

When following this Olive Garden baked pasta recipe , the total baking time is about 35 minutes . Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the top turn golden and slightly crisp. Be sure to let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers hold together.

Does Olive Garden make baked spaghetti?

While Olive Garden is more known for its baked ziti and lasagna , it occasionally offers baked spaghetti specials or limited-time menu items. Their baked pasta lineup typically includes Ziti al Forno , which inspired this healthy homemade version. If you enjoy baked spaghetti, you can adapt this same baked pasta recipe by swapping the ziti or penne for spaghetti noodles.

Do you have to boil pasta before baking?

Yes, for the best results, you should always boil the pasta until al dente before baking. This prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy in the oven. In this Olive Garden baked pasta recipe , the pasta is cooked slightly under al dente, drained, and rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process before layering with sauce and cheese.

Do Italians cook pasta in the oven?

Absolutely! Traditional Italian cuisine includes a variety of baked pasta dishes , such as pasta al forno , lasagna , and cannelloni . These recipes often feature layers of pasta, sauces (like marinara or béchamel), meat, and cheese baked until bubbly and golden. The Olive Garden baked pasta recipe is inspired by these classic Italian comfort foods but adds an American twist with bold flavors and lots of cheese.

Olive Garden Baked Pasta Recipe – The Best Cheesy, Easy & Healthier Dish

Name: Olive Garden Baked Pasta Recipe – Healthier, Cheesy & Easy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 oz gluten-free penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves; ½ cup finely diced brown onion; 1 pound of ground beef or pork or a mix of both; 2 ⅓ cup marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup ricotta; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (grate it yourself for best melting results); ½ cup parmesan, freshly grated; fresh basil or parsley for garnish, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar, or brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

Description

A healthier Olive Garden baked pasta recipe with layers of ziti, marinara, ground meat, and melted cheese easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz gluten-free penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves
½ cup finely diced brown onion
1 pound of ground beef or pork or a mix of both
2 ⅓ cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ cup ricotta
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (grate it yourself for best melting results)
½ cup parmesan, freshly grated
fresh basil or parsley for garnish, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon white granulated sugar, or brown sugar
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

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Instructions

Cook ziti or penne pasta according to package directions (Al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil or vegetable oil that you use for cooking. Once the oil is hot saute onion for 1 minute, add garlic and saute for another 1 minute.
Add the ground meat breaking it apart until it’s nicely browned. Once the meat is becoming brown, stir in the spices. Cook for about 2 minutes until seasonings are incorporated and fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce. Take it to a boil and reduce the what to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Taste for salt and black pepper and adjust if necessary. Remove from heat.
Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Stir to combine.
Spread half of the ziti evenly into an 8×10 (or 8×11) inch baking dish. Top with ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of remaining ziti on top. And now pour in the remaining meat sauce.
Assemble the last layer with parmesan, and leftover mozzarella cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake on the center oven rack for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly becoming golden brown.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. Enjoy!.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Prep Time: 15minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 974mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 91mg