Name: Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Ziti pasta; Oil (for tossing cooked pasta); 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); 1/4 cup bread crumbs; Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Introduction

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish loaded with creamy cheeses and a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it captures the classic Italian-American taste you love.

The image shows a white plate filled with baked ziti pasta. The bottom layer consists of light yellow pasta tubes, topped generously with a thick layer of creamy, orange-red tomato sauce mixed with chunks of cheese and herbs. The top features a golden-brown baked layer of melted cheese, sprinkled with shredded white cheese and light brown breadcrumbs, giving it a crispy texture. In the background, a bowl of fresh green salad with leafy greens is visible on a white marbled surface. A silver fork is placed next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Ziti pasta
1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the topping)
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ziti pasta according to package instructions in a large pot. Drain and rinse with cold water, then toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup of Fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the mixture is bubbly, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Place the cooked pasta in an oven-safe baking dish. Pour the cheese marinara sauce over the pasta and gently mix to combine.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese blend evenly over the top.
Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese layer, then place the dish under the broiler just until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded ones, which often contain anti-caking agents.
You can add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra protein and taste.
If you prefer a casserole version, bake the assembled dish at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of broiling.
Use fresh breadcrumbs toasted in a little olive oil with garlic for a more flavorful topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese creamy and prevent dryness.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a close-up of baked pasta with three visible layers: at the bottom is light yellow cooked penne pasta, covered by a layer of thick, creamy orange-red sauce, topped with a slightly browned layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb pieces, all sitting on a wooden surface, with a blurred white bowl of green leafy salad in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of Ziti?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes since they hold the sauce and cheeses nicely in a baked dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and assemble the dish just before baking or broiling. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.