Olive Garden Five Cheese Lasagna

Olive Garden Five Cheese Lasagna is a meatless dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated later. This is the perfect dish when you want a filling, vegetarian meal that satisfies everyone at the table. This incredible five-cheese lasagna recipe creates layers of creamy cheese filling, tender pasta, and rich flavors that make for a hearty dinner. While it’s not the quick, mid-week kind of dinner, it isn’t out of reach for any home cook to try making on the weekend, especially if you opt for no-boil noodles.

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Why This Recipe Works

This five cheese lasagna succeeds because it builds complex flavors through multiple cheese types and a rich cream sauce base. The ricotta provides creamy moisture, Parmesan and Romano add sharp, nutty flavors, while mozzarella and fontina contribute stretchy melting qualities and mild richness. The homemade cream sauce binds everything together beautifully, creating a cohesive dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The make-ahead nature allows flavors to meld and develop, resulting in even better taste.

Ingredients

For the Cream Sauce:

• Butter – Creates the rich base for the cream sauce
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the cream sauce to a perfect consistency
• Whole milk – Forms the creamy liquid base for the sauce

For the Cheese Filling:

• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil – Add concentrated flavor and Mediterranean flair
• Fresh garlic – Provides aromatic depth and savory complexity
• Large eggs – Bind the cheese mixture and add richness
• Ricotta cheese – Creates the creamy, moisture-rich base filling
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor throughout
• Grated Romano cheese – Contributes additional sharp, salty notes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides classic melting quality and mild flavor
• Grated Fontina cheese – Adds creamy richness and excellent melting properties
• Salt – Enhances all flavors in the cheese mixture
• Ground black pepper – Provides gentle heat and aromatic spice

For Assembly:

• Lasagna noodles – Form the pasta layers that structure the dish
• Marinara sauce – Serves as the finishing sauce over each portion

How to Make Olive Garden 5 Cheese Lasagna

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
2. Add flour and stir until well blended. Cook until the mixture bubbles.
3. Add milk, stirring constantly with a wire whisk as the mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Cook and stir until thickened.
   

   

5. Refrigerate the cream sauce while mixing other ingredients.
6. Drain tomatoes and place them in a large bowl.
7. Add garlic, eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano cheese, salt, and pepper.
8. Add cooled cream sauce and mix until well blended.
   

   

9. Refrigerate the cheese sauce mixture.
10. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
11. Cool noodles under cold water and drain.
12. Place 3 noodles in a lightly oiled 9x13x2-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.
13. Spread cheese filling over the noodles.
14. Sprinkle mozzarella and fontina cheese on top.
15. Repeat pasta and cheese layering three more times.
16. Top with lasagna noodles.
17. Spread cheese sauce over top and cover lightly with foil.
18. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
19. Remove lasagna from the oven and keep it warm at least 30 minutes before serving.
20. Serve cheese lasagna topped with hot marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Chef’s Notes

The five cheeses are used strategically: ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina in the filling; mozzarella and fontina in the layers; and Parmesan for serving. This creates layers of flavor and different melting characteristics throughout the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store covered lasagna for up to 4 days. Cut into portions for easier reheating. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.
• Reheating Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or the whole lasagna covered in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 15 extra minutes if needed.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Lasagna is one of those dishes that benefits from assembling ahead of time. Letting the lasagna rest allows flavors to combine and noodles to absorb moisture properly. Assemble completely up to 2 days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Love Olive Garden? Try these copycat recipes!

• Alfredo Sauce
• Chicken Margherita
• Chicken Scampi
• Lasagna Dip
• Olive Garden Pizza
• Pasta e Fagioli Soup
• Peach Cheesecake
• Zuppa Toscana

Favorite Italian Recipes

• Cacciatore
• Chicken Romano
• Egg Pasta
• Italian Sausage Recipe
• Penne Primavera

Check out more of my easy Italian recipes and the best Olive Garden recipes here on CopyKat!