Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

The Unforgettable Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

Cheesy pasta dishes always spark joy at the dinner table, especially when you recreate an Olive Garden five cheese ziti al forno copycat recipe that rivals the restaurant’s famous version.

This hearty Italian-inspired meal combines rich, melted cheeses with perfectly cooked ziti pasta.

Layers of creamy textures and bold flavors make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of marinara sauce and decadent cheese combinations.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that feels both comforting and indulgent.

You’ll love how easily this ziti comes together in your own kitchen.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next family dinner with this mouthwatering creation.

FAQs

  • What cheeses are used in this Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe?

The recipe includes parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheese. These cheeses create a rich, creamy sauce and provide multiple layers of cheesy flavor throughout the dish.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this ziti recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat, using only pasta, cheese, marinara sauce, and basic ingredients that work perfectly for a vegetarian meal.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare this dish by cooking the pasta and making the sauce in advance. Assemble the final dish just before baking to ensure the best texture and freshest taste. Store prepared components separately in the refrigerator.

  • How spicy is this ziti recipe?

The recipe is not spicy at all. It’s a mild, cheesy dish that focuses on rich, creamy flavors from the multiple cheeses and marinara sauce, making it suitable for people who prefer mild, comforting meals.

Copycat Ziti That Rivals Olive Garden

  • Packed with five different cheeses, this ziti offers an irresistible, creamy experience that will satisfy even the most passionate cheese enthusiasts.
  • A universally loved pasta dish that brings families and friends together, guaranteeing smiles and satisfied hunger with its rich, comforting flavors.
  • Works brilliantly as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish, adaptable for casual dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

Main Ingredients:
  • Ziti: A classic tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully and creates a comforting base for this cheesy dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fontina Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: A trio of melty, rich cheeses that create a luxurious and creamy sauce with deep flavor complexity.
  • Marinara Sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce that provides a tangy base for the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides additional texture and fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall sauce flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden texture to the top of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds a subtle flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Provides a final burst of sharp, salty cheese flavor to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Copycat Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add ziti and cook according to package directions until perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Gently toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Pinch of sugar

Simmer gently and let flavors meld together.

Stir in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fontina cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Whisk continuously until smooth and cheese melts completely.

Remove from heat.

Step 3: Layer Pasta and Sauce

Transfer ziti to a large oven-safe baking dish.

Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring every single noodle gets coated in creamy deliciousness.

Step 4: Top with Extra Cheese

Generously sprinkle over the dish:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese blend

Spread evenly to create a beautiful cheesy blanket.

Step 5: Brown Under Broiler

Dust the top with breadcrumbs.

Place under broiler and watch carefully until cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.

The top should have a beautiful crispy texture.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parmesan cheese over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Watch as everyone digs into this irresistible cheesy masterpiece.

Tips to Match the Restaurant Version

  • Toss cooked ziti with olive oil to keep noodles separate and prevent clumping, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated.
  • Simmer sauce slowly and stir continuously to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning or separating cheese.
  • Watch carefully under broiler to get golden-brown cheese topping without burning, typically 2-3 minutes maximum for perfect color.
  • Use fresh, high-quality cheeses like fontina and parmesan for authentic flavor and optimal melting performance.
  • Let dish rest for 5 minutes after broiling to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive dining experience.

Save and Warm Ziti Without Losing Flavor

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Transfer ziti to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk or marinara sauce to restore moisture.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.

Sides That Pair with Five Cheese Ziti

  • Cheese-Loving Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the rich, creamy ziti with bright acidity and complements the multiple cheese flavors.
  • Herbal Companion Side: Craft a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a crisp, peppery contrast to the heavy, decadent pasta dish and refreshing the palate between bites.
  • Mediterranean Bread Boost: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia alongside the ziti, allowing diners to soak up extra sauce and adding a delightful textural crunch that elevates the entire meal experience.
  • Citrus Palate Cleanser: Prepare a light lemon sorbet as a post-meal dessert, which helps neutralize the richness of the five-cheese ziti and provides a clean, refreshing finish to the dining experience.

Fun Add-Ons for Copycat Ziti

  • Gluten-Free Ziti Delight: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this cheesy creation. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Replace ziti with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Keep the rich cheese sauce and broiling technique for maximum flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew mozzarella, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cream. Choose almond or coconut cream for the sauce base.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or plant-based protein crumbles to transform the dish into a more substantial meal. Mix protein directly into the cheese sauce before baking.
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno brings Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with rich, melted cheeses and hearty pasta. Creamy marinara and golden breadcrumbs create a delightful signature dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese (can use grated Monterey Jack)

Creamy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Coat ziti with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  2. Create sauce by combining marinara, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Incorporate parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  3. Transfer pasta to a large oven-safe baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ziti, ensuring complete coverage and distribution.
  4. Layer additional mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta. Sprinkle parmesan cheese blend for extra flavor complexity.
  5. Preheat broiler to high. Distribute breadcrumbs uniformly over the cheese. Place dish under broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until cheese turns golden brown and breadcrumbs become crispy.
  6. Remove from broiler and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted.

Notes

  • Cook ziti just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness when baking.
  • Use room temperature cheeses for smoother, more even melting and a silkier sauce consistency.
  • Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese blends to accommodate vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Replace regular pasta with gluten-free ziti and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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