Lasagna is a timeless classic that brings families and friends together around the dinner table. Its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Today, we’re going to take it up a notch and recreate the Olive Garden Five Cheese Lasagna right in your own kitchen. This decadent dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking!
**Olive Garden Five Cheese Lasagna**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 box of lasagna noodles
– 2 cups of marinara sauce
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded Fontina cheese
– 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese
– 1 cup of shredded Provolone cheese
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses.
5. In a deep baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
6. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
7. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous sprinkle of the mixed shredded cheeses.
8. Repeat the layers, alternating between noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded cheeses, and marinara sauce, until all ingredients are used up. Make sure to finish with a layer of marinara sauce and shredded cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy this indulgent Olive Garden Five Cheese Lasagna fresh out of the oven! The combination of five different cheeses creates a gooey, melty, and absolutely delicious filling between layers of tender pasta and tangy marinara sauce. It’s the perfect dish to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a luxurious meal at home. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian feast. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a family favorite in no time. Buon appetito!