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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Maya Rowan

Indulgent Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom.
  5. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Top the sauced pasta with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese.
  7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
  8. Broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden-brown.
  9. 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.
  10. To freeze, cool completely before wrapping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45-60 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 21gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

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.

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