Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat (Video)

The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce wafts through the kitchen, bringing comfort with each layer of flavor. This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat (Video) is the ultimate dish to recreate that restaurant experience at home. With just a little over an hour from start to finish, it delivers a cheesy, creamy delight that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of five cheeses creates a rich, indulgent topping.
• Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful crust with a creamy interior.
• Quick to prepare, it’s ready in under an hour.
• A perfect blend of flavors from the creamy base and zesty marinara.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this irresistible dish:

For the Pasta

• 1 lb Ziti pasta

For the Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz drained diced tomatoes, or two fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Cheese Mix

• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend, grated (parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated (can use Monterey Jack)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Note: Fontina can be substituted with Monterey Jack for milder flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ziti pasta can be replaced with penne.
• Heavy cream works well with half-and-half.
• Any cheese blend can be used for variation.
• Sugar can be omitted for natural sweetness.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps!

Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring it to a slight simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Mix in the Cheese

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese blend, fontina cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese until creamy and well incorporated.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained ziti to the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated. Ensure every piece of pasta is covered with that delicious cheese sauce.

Assemble the Dish

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the bread crumbs on top for extra crunch.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: No, texture changes upon freezing.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
• Don’t skip the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy topping.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set up nicely.
• Experiment with cheeses based on your preference for unique flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.