Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

If you love hearty pasta dishes that remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant, then you’re going to be absolutely smitten with this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — rich, creamy, and loaded with five different cheeses that melt together beautifully. It’s just the kind of cozy dinner that works well for family nights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a comforting baked pasta with all the cheesy goodness of Olive Garden’s classic.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how close it tastes to the original, yet it feels even more special because you made it yourself at home. Plus, it’s so versatile and forgiving that even if you’re not usually a pro in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. If you want to bring restaurant-style flavor to your table without the wait, this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe is definitely worth trying!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked ziti pasta. Tip: using a mix of cheeses gives the sauce that unique Olive Garden depth and flavor.

• Ziti pasta: Choose good-quality dried ziti; it holds up well in baking without getting mushy.
• Bread crumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy pasta beneath.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for a flavorful base.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it decadently creamy.
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add mild sweetness and texture.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity in the tomatoes and marinara sauce.
• Parmesan cheese blend: A combination of Parmesan, Romano, Asiago cheeses for that bold Italian flavor.
• Fontina cheese: Gives a buttery, mild nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: Essential for that gooey, bubbly top and melty texture throughout.

Variations

I love how flexible this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe is. Over time, I’ve found little tweaks that make it perfect for different occasions or dietary needs—feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Meat Lover’s Version: I sometimes add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for extra heartiness and flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Stick with the classic cheese sauce and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: I’ve swapped heavy cream for coconut milk and used dairy-free cheese blends—results can vary but still tasty!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to keep all the deliciousness without gluten worries.

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Perfect Al Dente Ziti

Start by boiling your ziti pasta in generously salted water according to package directions, aiming for al dente—not mushy! When done, drain it into a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. Getting this step right ensures your pasta holds its shape and texture after baking.

Step 2: Create the Velvety Five Cheese Marinara Sauce

While the pasta cooks, mix your marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently to combine flavors. Then, stir in half of your Parmesan blend, fontina, and mozzarella until the sauce is bubbly and the cheeses fully melt. You’ll notice it thickens into a beautiful rich sauce that’s the heart of this dish.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake with Love

Transfer the prepared ziti to an oven-safe dish and spoon the cheesy sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan blend across the surface, then top it with bread crumbs for that irresistible crispy finish. Pop it under the broiler just until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown—watch carefully to avoid burning. This broil step gives it that restaurant-quality crust that makes everyone say wow.

Bonus: Casserole Style Method

I like to bake this as a casserole sometimes — just layer the pasta and sauce in a greased 9×13 dish, cover it up, and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes. Then, finish with a quick broil to brown the top. This method is perfect for welcoming guests or prepping ahead.

How to Serve Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh basil on top right before serving — it adds a fresh pop and a little color that makes the dish feel extra special. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also be fun if you like a little kick!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this ziti with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus on the side bring some balance and color to the plate too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve tried serving individual portions in small ramekins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top — it feels fancy but is so easy to do. You can also layer it in glass casserole dishes for a nice presentation when bringing it to potlucks or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ziti stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the texture and flavor intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish several times with great success — just assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the pasta loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To revive some of the crispy top, I remove the foil at the end and broil for just a minute or two—watching carefully!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe has become a go-to in my home because it’s reliably delicious, comforting, and even a bit nostalgic. I love sharing it with friends and family, and it feels special enough for gatherings but simple enough for busy weeknights. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it time and again, just like I do!

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