Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

If you’re obsessed with creamy, bubbling, ultra-cheesy baked pasta, get ready—this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat is calling your name! Picture layers of tender ziti coated in a dreamy, rich five-cheese marinara, all topped with a golden, crisp crumble. It truly delivers restaurant-style comfort with a homemade twist—and trust me, it’s even better straight from your oven!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat recipe uses a handful of everyday pasta-night staples that work real magic together! Each ingredient supports the meltiness, savory depth, and that signature tangy-yet-rich flavor you crave from a restaurant classic.

• Ziti Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta, designed to catch all that creamy sauce—penne is a great backup if you can’t find ziti.
• Marinara Sauce: The backbone of your five-cheese sauce; use your favorite jarred or homemade version for max flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes, making every bite ultra-creamy.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh (or canned!) diced tomatoes add pops of juicy sweetness—don’t skip them for that classic Olive Garden texture.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances the tomatoes and brings out the flavor of the cheeses.
• Parmesan Cheese Blend: A trio of grated parmesan, romano, and asiago for that sharp umami kick. Pre-shredded Italian blend works too!
• Fontina Cheese: Its mild, buttery flavor melts beautifully into the sauce. Monterey Jack is a fantastic substitute.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The go-to for gooey stretches and mouthwatering cheese pulls—use it inside and on top for best effect.
• Bread Crumbs: This final flourish bakes up into a crowd-pleasing golden crust.
• Olive Oil: Toss it with the cooked pasta so it won’t clump before baking.

Variations

One of the best things about this copycat ziti al forno is how flexible it is! Swap in cheeses, sneak in veggies, or adjust to your dietary needs—the possibilities to personalize are endless.

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ground Italian sausage, or even some sautéed mushrooms for heartiness and extra flavor.
• Cheese Swap: No fontina? No problem! Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or just load up on mozzarella and parmesan for a slightly different—but still divine—melt.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free ziti and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without any sacrifice in comfort.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to sneak in more color and even more flavor to your Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat.

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for just barely al dente. Once drained, give it a quick rinse with cold water—this stops the cooking, keeps it from going mushy, and ensures the noodles don’t stick. Toss with a little olive oil, then set aside while you work your sauce magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Five Cheese Marinara Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine your marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and that sprinkle of sugar. Bring just to a simmer, then gradually stir in half of your parmesan cheese blend, all of the fontina, and a portion of your mozzarella. Cook gently until everything has melted together into a silky, cheesy, pink-hued sauce that smells like pure comfort. Remove from the heat—you’re almost there!

Step 3: Assemble and Top the Ziti

Transfer the cooked pasta into a large oven-safe baking dish. Pour that irresistible five cheese marinara sauce evenly over the ziti, gently tossing to coat if needed. Scatter with a generous blanket of mozzarella and extra parmesan blend, then sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top for unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Broil or Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the dish under your broiler until the cheese is bubbling and the top is deeply golden, just like at Olive Garden. Alternatively, if you’re using the casserole instructions, bake in a covered 9×13 dish at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, then broil for an extra golden finish. Garnish with a shower of freshly grated parmesan and get ready to dig into the Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat of your dreams!

How to Serve Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated parmesan is a must—its salty richness melts into the hot cheese for restaurant-style finesse. I also love a scatter of fresh basil or finely chopped parsley for a splash of color and freshness against all that savory, melty goodness.

Side Dishes

This ziti begs for classic sides, just like you’d get in the cozy booths at Olive Garden. Think: warm garlic breadsticks for dunking in extra sauce, a crisp Caesar or Italian salad, and maybe a glass of red for the full trattoria effect.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a swoon-worthy dinner party, or pack leftovers into ramekins for next-day lunches. For a casual family night, just bring the whole piping-hot dish right to the table—there’s nothing cozier than family-style scooping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat keeps beautifully. Allow the dish to cool, then store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle—hello, sensational weeknight lunches!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it just yet. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months; bake straight from the freezer by adding extra time covered, then broil until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through, then uncover and let the topping crisp back up for a few minutes. The microwave is speedy for single servings, but the oven keeps your breadcrumbs perfectly crunchy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about making this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat at home—it’s cheesy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. If you’re craving that classic Italian-American comfort (with fewer crowds and more seconds), you absolutely have to give this a try!

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