Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself gazing lovingly at a bubbling, cheesy plate of pasta at your favorite Italian restaurant, you’re not alone. The Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat is everything a comfort food should be: irresistibly creamy, loaded with melty cheese, and topped with a golden crust. This homemade version captures all the flavors and nostalgia of the original while being surprisingly easy and approachable—perfect for family dinners, celebratory gatherings, or any evening you simply crave a cozy, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s richness, texture, or a burst of fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single item:

• Ziti pasta: The perfect shape for grabbing onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
• Bread crumbs: Sprinkled on top, these create a crunchy golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese beneath.
• Marinara sauce: Forms the zesty, tomato-rich backbone of the entire dish.
• Heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the sauce and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Diced tomatoes (drained): Offer juicy bursts of freshness and keep the sauce from being too heavy.
• Sugar: Just a touch smooths the edges of the tomatoes and pulls the sauce together.
• Parmesan cheese blend: This trio of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago delivers salty depth and nutty flavor.
• Fontina cheese (or Monterey Jack): Melts beautifully, bringing subtle sweetness and creaminess to the mix.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic, gooey stretch with every forkful—it’s just not Ziti Al Forno without it.

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Step 1: Prepare the Ziti Pasta

Start by cooking your ziti pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once it reaches al dente perfection, drain it in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This halts the cooking process and keeps the noodles from sticking together. Toss with a bit of olive oil for extra insurance. Set aside while you move on to creating the decadently creamy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Five Cheese Marinara Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce become fragrant and luscious. Once bubbling, stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup of fontina (or Monterey Jack), and 1/2 cup of mozzarella. Continue stirring until everything is velvety and beautifully combined, then remove from heat. This sauce is the soul of your Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat!

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti Al Forno

Grab your favorite oven-safe dish and arrange the cooked ziti evenly inside. Pour the hot, creamy five cheese marinara sauce all over the pasta, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend on top, then finish with a generous layer of breadcrumbs. This step sets the stage for that iconic golden-brown finish you know and love.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Place your assembled dish under the broiler for just a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The cheese will melt into irresistible gooeyness while the breadcrumbs crisp up into a delicate crunch. As soon as the top is beautifully golden and bubbling, it’s ready to come out. Resist the urge to dig in immediately; letting it sit a couple minutes will make serving easier.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before bringing it to the table, shower your Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or some torn basil for color. The garnish gives the final dish an extra burst of flavor and transforms it into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

How to Serve Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Garnishes

There’s nothing quite like the finishing touch of a good garnish. For this ziti, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is an absolute must. If you have fresh basil or finely chopped parsley on hand, sprinkle that over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings another layer of richness that makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Of course, you can never go wrong with warm, garlicky breadsticks or a simple garlic bread to help scoop up every last bit of that addictive sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, make excellent companions and add a welcome balance to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated touch, serve this ziti in individual ramekins for a dinner party or potluck. You can also garnish each portion with a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle kick. If you’re feeling playful, try building a ziti “layer cake” in a springform pan and slicing it at the table for a truly show-stopping presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead lunches or busy weeknight dinners. The flavors even deepen over time as the sauce and pasta become more acquainted.

Freezing

This ziti is freezer friendly! Assemble the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe dish but hold off on broiling. Let it cool, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and broil just before serving. You’ll have a taste of the Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat any time you want.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place portions in a baking dish, cover gently with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method will help maintain the gloriously cheesy, crunchy finish.

FAQs

Can I make this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat vegetarian?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly, using cheeses and sauces without any added meat or rennet. Double check your cheese sources if strict vegetarian for peace of mind.

What can I use if I can’t find ziti pasta?

Penne or rigatoni are wonderful substitutes—they also have tubular shapes that hold up well under the thick, cheesy sauce and won’t turn mushy during baking.

Can I use store-bought cheese blends?

Yes, pre-shredded Italian cheese blends can make prep even faster. For optimal melt and flavor, try adding a little extra Parmesan or fontina if you have it on hand.

How do I make it spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce or sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking. You can also stir in a little spicy Italian sausage if you don’t mind changing up the classic!

Is it possible to make this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Make sure your marinara and cheeses are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat brings the warmth, creaminess, and heartiness of your favorite restaurant straight to your own kitchen, with zero reservations required. I genuinely hope you give it a try, savor every bite, and maybe even make it your own signature comfort food. Happy cooking!

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