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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

Section: Delicious Pasta Creations

Ziti pasta is coated in a lush sauce made from marinara, heavy cream and a dynamic mix of five cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and fontina. After tossing the pasta in this creamy blend, everything is arranged in a baking dish, generously topped with extra cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. A quick broil creates a bubbling, golden crust, adding a lovely crunch. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, this dish brings together rich dairy flavors and hearty pasta, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying main. Flexible cheese options allow for substitutions according to taste or availability.

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Authored By Tyla
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 18:25:54 GMT
Une assiette de ziti al forno, une version de la recette de Olive Garden. Save
Une assiette de ziti al forno, une version de la recette de Olive Garden. | savorieswithtyla.com

This cozy Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat lets you bring restaurant comfort straight to your home kitchen with simple techniques and approachable ingredients. The combination of creamy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping makes it a family favorite I return to whenever I want a meal that reassures and satisfies.

The first time I baked this for a girls night in the cheesy aroma filled the kitchen and the whole pan vanished in moments. Everyone loves how golden and inviting it looks fresh from the broiler.

Ingredients

  • Ziti pasta: a classic shape that holds up well to hearty sauce Look for pasta that is smooth and firm to avoid mushy bites
  • Bread crumbs: create a crunchy topping Use fresh or panko for a lighter texture
  • Marinara sauce: gives rich tomato flavor without extra fuss Seek out sauces with minimal added sugar and lots of herbs
  • Heavy cream: adds silkiness and blends the five cheeses Smooth fresh cream makes the sauce especially luxurious
  • Diced tomatoes: bring juiciness and fresh flavor Choose ripe plum tomatoes or good quality canned ones if needed
  • Sugar: a pinch balances acidity in the tomatoes
  • Parmesan cheese blend: offers nutty depth Opt for grated Parmigiano Reggiano or a mixed Italian blend
  • Fontina cheese: melts beautifully with a mild buttery taste Good quality fontina or Monterey Jack can substitute easily
  • Mozzarella cheese: ensures gooey stretch and golden top Choose block mozzarella and grate it fresh for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water Bring to a boil and add the ziti Stir occasionally and cook until just al dente according to package instructions Drain right away rinse with cold water to stop further cooking then toss with a little oil to coat so the pasta stays separate
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan combine marinara sauce heavy cream diced tomatoes and sugar Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer Once hot add half of the Parmesan cheese blend all the fontina cheese and a portion of the mozzarella cheese Stir well until the mixture is bubbling and all the cheeses have melted Remove from the heat
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the cooked pasta into an oven safe dish Pour the cheese sauce over evenly making sure all noodles get coated Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan blend over the top in a thick layer Scatter bread crumbs across the surface to form a golden crust
Broil and Serve:
Place the dish under the preheated broiler Watch closely and broil just until the cheese melts and the top turns golden and bubbly Remove carefully garnish with freshly grated Parmesan before serving
Une assiette de penne à la sauce tomate avec des herbes et des fromages. Save
Une assiette de penne à la sauce tomate avec des herbes et des fromages. | savorieswithtyla.com

One of my favorite cheeses for this is fontina Its meltiness ties everything together and I still remember my little one grinning and asking for seconds on their birthday dinner the first time I used it

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly covered dish in the refrigerator for up to four days The pasta will reheat best in the oven at low heat covered with foil or in the microwave with a splash of water for moisture This dish can also be assembled ahead cover tightly and freeze unbaked for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have all five cheeses on hand mix what you have For a sharper edge add extra Parmesan Mozzarella or Monterey Jack both work for added stretch and creaminess Whole milk or half and half can replace heavy cream if needed and gluten free pasta or breadcrumbs make this friendly for those with special diets

Une assiette de spaghetti bolognaise avec des herbes et des fromages. Save
Une assiette de spaghetti bolognaise avec des herbes et des fromages. | savorieswithtyla.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve big scoops of this ziti alongside a crisp green Italian style salad and crusty garlic bread It also pairs well with roasted my favorite is broccoli or asparagus on a weeknight drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds a nice finishing note

Cultural and Family Inspiration

Ziti al forno is a classic Italian American comfort food inspired by traditional baked pasta dishes back in Italy The use of five cheeses and a dash of cream reflects the indulgent touches beloved in American kitchens I love serving it at family gatherings because it reminds everyone of cozy evenings spent together around the table sharing stories and laughter

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne or rigatoni work well if you don't have ziti on hand—just cook to al dente for best results.

→ What cheeses can be substituted?

Monterey Jack or extra mozzarella make good substitutes for fontina. Stick to hard Italian cheeses for Parmesan blend.

→ How do I make ahead and reheat?

Assemble the dish up to the broiling step. Cover and refrigerate or freeze. When ready, bake covered and broil before serving.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Ensure your cheese and sauce are gluten-free as well.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Add sautéed garlic, crushed red pepper, or fresh basil to the sauce for a herby twist. Broil until the topping crisps up.

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti

Ziti pasta smothered in creamy five-cheese marinara, topped with buttery crumbs, broiled to bubbly perfection.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
5 mins
Overall Time
20 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Pasta Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate Challenge

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Serves: 10 Portions (10 servings)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

→ Ziti Al Forno

01 450 g ziti pasta
02 60 ml olive oil (for tossing cooked pasta)
03 30 g breadcrumbs

→ Five Cheese Marinara Sauce

04 480 ml marinara sauce
05 240 ml heavy cream
06 425 g diced tomatoes, drained (or two fresh tomatoes, diced)
07 5 ml granulated sugar
08 75 g Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
09 55 g fontina cheese (or grated Monterey Jack)
10 170 g mozzarella cheese, grated

How to Make It

Step 01

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly using a colander, rinse briefly with cold water to halt cooking, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Gradually stir in 50 g of the Parmesan cheese blend, all of the fontina cheese, and 50 g mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Transfer the cooked pasta to an oven-safe serving dish or greased 23x33 cm baking dish. Ladle the hot cheese marinara sauce evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 120 g mozzarella cheese and the remaining 25 g Parmesan cheese blend across the surface. Scatter the breadcrumbs evenly on top.

Step 04

Place the dish under a broiler set to high and broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes before serving.

Step 05

Before serving, garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Important Notes

  1. This dish features a blend of Italian cheeses, a creamy marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for textural contrast.
  2. For classic baked casserole preparation, assemble in a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 175°C for 30–45 minutes before broiling to finish.
  3. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Substitute cheeses according to availability—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan all work well.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium saucepan
  • Oven-safe serving dish or 23x33 cm baking dish
  • Broiler

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, cheese blends)
  • May contain eggs (verify pasta ingredients)

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 398
  • Total Fat: 18 grams
  • Total Carbs: 44 grams
  • Protein Content: 16 grams