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
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.
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.
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.
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
Ingredients for Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti
Main Ingredients:Garnish: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:Simmer gently and let flavors meld together.
Stir in: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: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
Save and Warm Ziti Without Losing Flavor
Sides That Pair with Five Cheese Ziti
Fun Add-Ons for Copycat Ziti
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer pasta to a large oven-safe baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ziti, ensuring complete coverage and distribution.
- Layer additional mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta. Sprinkle parmesan cheese blend for extra flavor complexity.
- 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.
- 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
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.