Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other tubular pasta that holds sauce well. Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta also works for dietary needs.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covering the dish with foil to prevent drying. You can also reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Name: Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained (or 2 fresh diced tomatoes); 1 tsp sugar; ¾ cup parmesan cheese blend (parmesan, Romano, Asiago); ½ cup fontina cheese (or Monterey Jack); 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated; ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Description

This Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish inspired by Olive Garden’s famous recipe. A blend of marinara and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce, while five types of cheese add depth and gooey goodness. Finished with a golden breadcrumb crust, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
15 oz diced tomatoes, drained (or 2 fresh diced tomatoes)
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup parmesan cheese blend (parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
½ cup fontina cheese (or Monterey Jack)
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated
¼ cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Melt the cheeses into the sauce: Add ½ cup of the parmesan blend, ½ cup of fontina cheese, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth, then remove from heat.
Assemble the dish: Transfer the cooked pasta into an oven-safe baking dish. Pour the cheese-infused marinara sauce over the pasta and mix lightly to coat.
Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan blend over the top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Broil to perfection: Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with extra parmesan cheese, and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To make ahead, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Add protein like grilled chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 398 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 591 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 16 g
Cholesterol: 59 mg