Olive Garden Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta Copycat Recipe
This Olive Garden Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta Copycat recipe recreates the beloved restaurant appetizer at home using rigatoni pasta filled with a rich five-cheese marinara mixture. The pasta is breaded, air fried to crispy perfection, and served with optional Alfredo and marinara dipping sauces. Perfect for an indulgent snack or appetizer with a delicious blend of creamy cheeses and Italian seasonings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 1-2 hours freezing time (optional)
- Yield: About 20 stuffed pasta pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rigatoni or Ziti (rigatoni preferred for better stuffing)
Five-Cheese Marinara Filling
- ¼ cup Ricotta Cheese
- ¼ cup Asiago Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Romano Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Mascarpone Cheese (can substitute with cream cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Half & Half Cream
Breading
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
Dipping Sauces (Optional)
- Alfredo Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rigatoni or ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely so it’s easier to handle for stuffing.
- Prepare Filling: In a food processor, combine ricotta, asiago, romano, parmesan, mascarpone, tomato paste, and half & half cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling to a Ziploc bag and snip a small corner or use a piping bag for filling the pasta.
- Stuff Pasta: Pipe the cheese filling into each cooked noodle, filling them completely. To help the filling set and prevent spillage during frying, freeze the stuffed pasta for 1 to 2 hours. This step is optional but recommended for best results.
- Prepare Breading: In a small bowl, beat the eggs lightly. In a microwave-safe dish, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil. Microwave for 60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until breadcrumbs are lightly toasted. Let cool slightly, then mix in grated parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Stuffed Pasta: Dip each frozen stuffed noodle first into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer basket by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the breaded stuffed pasta in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes, then shake the basket gently and cook for an additional 1 minute until the shells are crispy and golden. Avoid overcooking to prevent the filling from oozing out.
- Serve: Serve the crispy stuffed ziti fritta immediately with optional Alfredo and/or marinara dipping sauces for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Freezing the stuffed pasta before breading helps the filling stay intact during frying but can be skipped if preferred.
- Use rigatoni over ziti as it has a wider tube ideal for stuffing.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on your air fryer model to avoid overcooking.
- Breadcrumbs are toasted before breading to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Dipping sauces are optional but add great complementary flavors.
