Preparing Olive Garden Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is a breeze when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup provolone cheese, 1/2 cup asiago cheese, the egg, fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce. Ensure the pasta is well-coated.

5. Layer the Dish: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly. Follow with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading it all over the pasta.

6. Add Remaining Ziti: Top with the remaining half of the ziti, spreading it out evenly.

7. Add Final Touch: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top (about 1 cup), ensuring an even layer for a gooey finish.

8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and has a slight golden crust on top.

9. Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld a little longer.

These simple steps show how easy it is to replicate the beloved Olive Garden dish right in your own kitchen!