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Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

A comforting and cheesy masterpiece inspired by Olive Garden’s famous dish, featuring ziti pasta enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta
  • 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 15 oz Drained Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
  • 1/2 cup Fontina Cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Marinara Mixture: In a bowl, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Add sugar and stir until combined.
  3. Incorporate the Cheeses: Mix in the cheese blend—grated Parmesan, Fontina, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
  4. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked ziti into the cheese-sauce mixture until well-coated.
  5. Layer in a Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour the ziti mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
  6. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, followed by breadcrumbs. Optionally drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an even more indulgent dish, top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations or add vegetables for added nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: ziti al forno, olive garden, cheesy pasta, comfort food, italian recipe