Go Back
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat (Video)

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Copycat

This copycat recipe brings the beloved Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno to your home kitchen. It features a luxurious, creamy tomato sauce enriched with a blend of five distinct cheeses, tender ziti pasta, and a signature crispy cheese and breadcrumb topping. This baked pasta dish is a guaranteed showstopper that's surprisingly simple to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 398
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (a mix of grated Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago works best)
  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated (can use Monterey Jack)
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package directions, but pull it out about 1-2 minutes before it reaches al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from getting mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Preheat and Prep: While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, drained diced tomatoes, and sugar over medium heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  4. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese blend and the grated fontina cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of the five cheese ziti al forno Olive Garden flavor, so give it a moment to come together perfectly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked ziti into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious, creamy mixture.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer.
  7. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, toss the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella with the 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the ziti. This combination is what creates that signature golden, slightly crunchy topping.
  8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the ziti set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before baking to prevent it from getting mushy. Grating your own cheese is recommended as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water; if too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce.