Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta

5 from 1 vote

Published on July 8, 2023

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Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta is the perfect appetizer. It is loaded with flavor and tastes amazing. This is one of our favorite Olive Garden Copycat Recipes.

Stuffed Ziti Fritta on a white plate with dipping sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta Recipe:

Cheesy Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a family favorite appetizer. The stuffed pasta is loaded with flavor and you will love how easy it is to make. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce to please a crowd.

Cheese filled noodles are deep fried to make the best appetizer. If you love getting these stuffed ziti fritta at Olive Garden, now you can easily make them at home.

These are perfect for any gathering or game day party. Your friends and family will love the flavor and texture. The next time you are looking for an easy appetizer, make these stuffed ziti fritta.

What is in Stuffed Ziti Fritta?

Cooked Rigatoni are stuffed with 4 different types of cheeses. Then the breaded pasta is deep fried until golden brown for an amazing appetizer.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce to please a crowd.

Ingredients:

Rigatoni
Olive Oil

For the Filling:

Ricotta Cheese
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Shredded Romano Cheese
Cream Cheese (softened)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Breading Ingredients:

All Purpose Flour
Italian Breadcrumbs
Large Eggs (beaten)
Vegetable Oil (for frying)

For Serving:

Alfredo Sauce
Marinara Sauce

How to Make Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta:

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta based on the package instructions. Cook it for 2 minutes less than the al dente time listed on the box. Cook in a pot of salted water.
Step 2 – Drain Pasta – Drain the pasta and then coat it with the olive oil. You can also remove pasta with a slotted spoon.
Step 3 – Set aside – Set the pasta aside to cool.
Step 4 – Combine Delicious Cheese Mixture – In a large bowl, stir together the filling ingredients until well combined.

Cooking the noodles and combining the cheese mixture

Step 4 – Pour into Piping Bag – Pour this mixture into a piping bag. You can also use a zip lock bag with one of the corners cut off.
Step 5 – Pipe cheese mixture – Pipe the cheese mixture into the center of the rigatoni pasta tubes. Once filled, place the pasta on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.

How to Fry Stuffed Ziti Fritta:

Step 6 – Heat Oil – Heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot. Heat until it’s approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7 – Prepare Flour Mixture – Place the flour, breadcrumbs and eggs into 3 separate bowls.
Step 8 – Coat Noodles – Coat the stuffed rigatoni pasta noodle in the flour, shake off the excess flour.
Step 9 – Dip into Eggs – Then dip it in the beaten eggs and then coat it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all of the pasta is coated with the bread.
Step 10 – Place breaded rigatoni in oil – Then carefully place 4-5 pieces in the hot oil to fry.
Step 11 – Cook – Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Watch closely and remove before the cheese starts oozing out.

Step 12 – Remove from Oil – Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Use paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 13 – Serve and enjoy – Serve with your favorite dipping sauces (marinara sauce or Alfredo Sauce). Serve warm and enjoy!

Stuffed Ziti Fritta dipping into a tomato sauce

What to Serve with Stuffed Ziti Fritta?

We usually serve stuffed ziti fritta as appetizer. But you can also serve as a main dish or a side dish.

Serve with dipping sauces – Ranch or Tomato Sauce
Salad
Grilled Chicken
Minestrone Soup

Stuffed Ziti Fritta Olive Garden Recipe Tips:

Prepare Pasta – Cook pasta according to package. Make sure to cook al dente for best results. Drain and rinse pasta and then set aside.
Pipe the Cheese Mixture – Use piping bags to pipe the cheese. You can also use a zip lock bag and just cut one of the corners.
Cooking Ziti Fritta – Make sure to watch closely so they do not burn. You will know they are done when they are golden brown or cheese starts to ooze out.

Variation Ideas:

Pasta – Any type of tube pasta will work in this recipe. We have used ziti pasta and it worked great.
Seasoning – Feel free to change the seasoning. You can use an Italian Seasoning blend for the perfect flavor.
Cheese – Feel free to change the cheese to what you prefer. We recommend shredding your own cheese for the best flavor.

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to make them crispy again before enjoying the leftovers.

Can you Freeze Stuffed Ziti Fritta?

Yes, this is the perfect recipe to double so you can enjoy them for another night. Place them in a freezer safe zip lock bag and they will stay good for up to 3 months.

When ready to thaw, place in the fridge overnight.