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Ziti Fritta Olive Garden Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Ziti Fritta Olive Garden Recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For the Ziti and Filling:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Breading:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil works well

For Serving:

  • Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ziti

  • Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the Eggs: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the cheese mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti Fritta

  • Stuff the Ziti: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each ziti tube with the cheese mixture. This step requires patience, but it’s essential for the delicious cheesy center.
  • Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread the Ziti

  • Coat the Ziti: Roll each stuffed ziti in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they adhere well.

Step 5: Fry the Ziti

  • Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
  • Fry the Ziti: Carefully add a few pieces of breaded ziti to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
  • Drain the Ziti: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried ziti and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Plate the Ziti: Arrange the fried ziti on a serving platter.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.