What is Olive Garden's five cheese ziti al forno?

Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a beloved baked pasta dish featuring a delightful combination of ziti pasta coated in a creamy marinara sauce, enriched with five different cheeses, including mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina. The dish is often topped with breadcrumbs to create a crispy finish, making it a favorite among guests for its rich flavor and comforting texture.

Why is Olive Garden's five cheese ziti al forno not vegetarian?

While the primary ingredients of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno are indeed vegetarian-friendly, some versions may contain chicken stock used in the marinara sauce or byproducts, which would make it unsuitable for vegetarians. If you’re looking for a truly vegetarian option, be sure to ask the restaurant about how their sauces are prepared.

Is pasta al forno the same as baked ziti?

Absolutely! Pasta al forno, which translates to "pasta baked in the oven," is a term commonly used for various baked pasta dishes. Baked ziti falls under this category and typically includes ziti pasta baked with cheese, sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. They’re both comforting and delicious casserole-style meals, perfect for family gatherings.

How many calories are in 5 cheese ziti Olive Garden?

One serving of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno contains approximately 1,320 calories. It's a hearty dish packed with rich flavors and ingredients, making it quite indulgent! If you’re looking to lighten the meal, consider serving it with a side salad or incorporating more vegetables into the dish.

What does al forno mean on an Italian menu?

"Al forno" translates to "in the oven" in Italian. This term is often used to describe dishes that are baked, typically with cheese or a crispy topping. It indicates that the dish has been cooked in the oven, giving it a lovely baked texture and flavor, as seen in this delightful Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno.

What kind of cheese does Olive Garden use on their pasta?

Olive Garden uses a blend of five cheeses in their Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, which typically includes mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, ricotta, and Romano cheese. This combination not only provides a rich and creamy texture but also delivers a flavorful profile that enhances the overall dish. Feel free to mix it up and try other cheeses that you love!

Irresistible Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Name: Indulgent Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 15 oz diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sugar; ¾ cup parmesan cheese blend; ½ cup fontina cheese; ½ cup mozzarella cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping); ¼ cup parmesan cheese (for topping); 1 cup bread crumbs

Description

I still remember the first time I tasted the Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno. It was a cozy family dinner, laughter echoing around the table as we shared stories and savored each cheesy, creamy bite. The ziti, bubbling with a rich marinara sauce and a heavenly five-cheese blend, had me hooked from the very first forkful! Now, as much as I adore dining out, there’s something incredibly comforting about recreating that cherished experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ziti pasta
24 oz marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
15 oz diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup parmesan cheese blend
½ cup fontina cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
¼ cup parmesan cheese (for topping)
1 cup bread crumbs

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add 1 pound of ziti pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, combine 24 oz of marinara sauce, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 15 oz of diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar if desired. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and add ¾ cup of parmesan cheese blend, ½ cup of fontina cheese, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom.
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
Top the sauced pasta with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden-brown.
If preparing as a casserole, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes.
To freeze, cool completely before wrapping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45-60 minutes.

Notes

Quality Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Cooking Pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti al dente.
Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, consider slicing some heirloom varieties.
Creaminess Factor: When adding heavy cream, do it slowly and stir continuously.
Breadcrumb Topping: For that extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Italian seasoning.
Freezing Tips: Cool completely before wrapping to prevent ice crystals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 500
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 70mg