Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (Easy Copycat Recipe!

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Introduction:

If you love cheesy comfort food, this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno will steal your heart! Inspired by Olive Garden, it’s creamy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 40 min

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (use a flavorful brand or homemade)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese blend (divided)
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend (Romano, Asiago, etc.)
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Marinara Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Cheeses: Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan blend, 1/2 cup fontina, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cook until the sauce is creamy and bubbly.
4. Assemble the Ziti: Spread cooked pasta into a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour sauce over pasta and mix gently to combine. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan blend, and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly.
5. Bake and Broil: Cover and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan and serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

Pro Tips:

• Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• Cheese swaps: Use whatever you have on hand—mozzarella and parmesan alone work great!
• Sauce tip: Choose a rich marinara or enhance bland sauces with garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

A creamy and cheesy ziti dish inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce Use a flavorful brand or homemade
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar

Cheese and Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese blend, divided
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend (Romano, Asiago, etc.)
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Other

• 1 tbsp olive oil For tossing pasta

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan blend, 1/2 cup fontina, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cook until the sauce is creamy and bubbly.

Assembly

1. Spread cooked pasta into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Pour sauce over pasta and mix gently to combine.
2. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan blend, and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly.

Baking

1. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serving

1. Garnish with extra parmesan and serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Cheese swaps: Use whatever you have on hand—mozzarella and parmesan alone work great! Sauce tip: Choose a rich marinara or enhance bland sauces with garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.