Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Craving that rich, cheesy comfort of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno but don’t want to leave the house? This copycat recipe brings all that restaurant magic right to your kitchen. The combination of five different cheeses melted into a creamy marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection is simply irresistible.

I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to capture that exact Olive Garden flavor profile we all love. The secret lies in the blend of cheeses and that perfect balance between the tangy marinara and creamy alfredo sauces. Your family won’t believe you made this restaurant favorite at home!

Why You’ll Love This

• Restaurant-quality pasta bake without the restaurant price tag
• Incredibly cheesy with that perfect golden, slightly crispy top
• Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare earlier and bake when ready
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the topping)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 15 oz drained diced tomatoes (or two fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese (can use grated Monterey Jack)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain into a colander, rinse with cold water, and toss with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until bubbly and remove from heat.
3. Place pasta in an oven-safe serving dish and ladle sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend. Top with breadcrumbs and broil just until the cheese browns.
4. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a protein boost, add 1 pound of cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken.
• Don’t overcook your pasta – keep it slightly firmer than al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• If you can’t find all five cheeses, focus on getting the mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan as the base.
• For a creamier version, increase the alfredo sauce to 1 1/2 cups.
• Make your own alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and parmesan for an even more authentic flavor.
• For a lighter version, use part-skim cheeses and light alfredo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta bake pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. For the full Olive Garden experience, serve with their famous breadsticks and a glass of medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding a vegetable side like roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach with garlic to balance the richness of the dish.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
• You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

FAQs

Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What if I can’t find ziti pasta?
Penne, rigatoni, or any medium tubular pasta makes a great substitute for ziti in this recipe.

Can I make this vegetarian?
This dish is already vegetarian! Just make sure your cheeses use vegetarian rennet if that’s a concern.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the ziti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be careful not to overcook gluten-free pasta as it can become mushy quickly.

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Recipe by Feel Tasty

🖨️ Print📌 Pin

Craving that rich, cheesy comfort of Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno but don’t want to leave the house? This copycat recipe brings all that restaurant magic right to…

Servings10

Prep15 min

Cook5 min

Calories398 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the topping)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 15 oz drained diced tomatoes (or two fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese (can use grated Monterey Jack)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Steps

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain into a colander, rinse with cold water, and toss with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until bubbly and remove from heat.
3. Place pasta in an oven-safe serving dish and ladle sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend. Top with breadcrumbs and broil just until the cheese browns.
4. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 398 kcal