Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat is not just quick and easy, it’s a cheesy masterpiece that’s packed with flavor. It uses real, fresh ingredients—no canned Alfredo here—just a blend of hearty marinara, heavy cream, and a combination of melty Italian cheeses. Whether you make it fresh or bake it as a casserole, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes. Plus, it’s highly customizable and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat:

• 1 lb Ziti pasta

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the topping)

Five Cheese Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 15 oz drained diced tomatoes (or two fresh tomatoes, diced)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated parmesan, Romano, Asiago)

• 1/2 cup fontina cheese (can use grated Monterey Jack)

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)

Directions

1. Bring a large 5-quart pot of water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and toss with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until bubbly, then remove from heat.

4. Place the cooked pasta in an oven-safe dish. Pour the cheese marinara sauce over the pasta.

5. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese blend. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

6. Broil until the top is golden and the cheese has browned.

7. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Casserole Instructions: Use a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Assemble the pasta and sauce as described. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, then uncover and broil until the top is golden brown.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes (broil), or 30–45 minutes (baked casserole)

• Total time: 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for baked version)

Variations

• Cheese substitutions: Use Monterey Jack, provolone, or sharp white cheddar if you don’t have fontina or Asiago.

• Protein add-ins: Add cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or ground beef for extra heartiness.

• Vegetarian version: Keep it meat-free as-is or add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

• Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Assemble the casserole (unbaked) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. What cheeses are used in Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti?

It typically includes mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses for a rich, melty texture and robust flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta and sauce in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

3. Do I have to use ziti pasta?

Ziti works best for this dish, but you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or any short tube pasta.

4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Just be sure to use a marinara sauce without meat.

5. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, a high-quality jarred marinara works well and saves time. Just pair it with fresh cream and cheeses.

6. What’s the difference between this and baked ziti?

This version uses a five-cheese blend and cream-based marinara, whereas traditional baked ziti usually uses ricotta and plain tomato sauce.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when broiled or baked.

8. Can I use a different type of tomato?

Yes, two diced fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned diced tomatoes.

9. How do I get a crispy topping?

Use breadcrumbs and broil briefly at the end of baking until the top is golden and crisp.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy, cheesy sauce and pasta make it a hit with kids of all ages.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat recipe brings rich Italian comfort right to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or preparing a hearty casserole for a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Customize the cheese, toss in your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a dish that’s even better than takeout.

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