Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Okay, so picture this—I took one bite and boom—cheesy heaven. I’m talking about Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just plain yum.

I’ve had a lot of pasta before, but this one? Oh wow, it’s something special. All those cheeses melt together and give it that warm, cozy flavor.

And the best part? I can make it at home now. Yep, same bubbly cheese top and all that saucy goodness.

Wanna know how I do it? Keep reading—I’ll show you how to make this cheesy dream right in your kitchen. Let’s do it together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by a Classic: A comforting take on Olive Garden’s famous ziti, right from your own kitchen.
• Layered with Flavor: Creamy marinara, melted cheeses, and baked breadcrumbs offer texture in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors make this a go-to dish for both kids and adults.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make it approachable for any level of home cook.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well and tastes just as delicious the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 6 hearty servings as a main course, or up to 8 smaller servings if served with sides like salad or bread.

Difficulty:
This is a beginner-friendly recipe with familiar ingredients and simple steps. It’s a great entry point if you’re new to baked pasta dishes.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Pot: For boiling the ziti until just al dente.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the pasta with the sauce and cheeses.
• Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best.
• Small Saucepan (optional): For warming the sauce before mixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To portion out the ingredients accurately.
• Box Grater or Pre-Shredded Cheese: For the cheese blend.
• Aluminum Foil (optional): To cover the dish if needed while baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy, cheesy baked ziti together. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

Pasta:

• Ziti

Sauce:

• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Sugar

Cheese Blend:

• Parmesan cheese blend
• Fontina cheese (or substitute with Monterey Jack)
• Mozzarella cheese

Topping:

• Bread crumbs

Variations for Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

• Use Penne Instead of Ziti: If ziti isn’t available, penne or rigatoni are good substitutes with similar shape and bite.
• Add Protein: Mix in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds gentle heat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Add chopped basil or parsley for more freshness in each bite.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is already meatless—just double-check that your marinara is free from meat-based stock.

How to Make Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions.
Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl (or a saucepan if you prefer to warm it slightly), combine:

• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Drained diced tomatoes
• Sugar

Mix until smooth. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a mellow, rich flavor.

3. Add the Cheese Blend

To the sauce mixture, stir in:

• Grated Parmesan cheese blend
• Shredded fontina (or Monterey Jack)
• Half of the shredded mozzarella

Stir until the cheeses are evenly distributed. The residual heat from the warm sauce may begin to melt the cheese slightly—that’s okay.

4. Toss with Cooked Ziti

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and cheese mixture. Gently fold until every piece of pasta is coated and the cheeses are mixed in well.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

6. Add the Topping

Evenly sprinkle bread crumbs over the mozzarella layer. This creates a golden, crisp top as it bakes.

7. Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the dish uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

How to Serve Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

This baked pasta dish is rich, cheesy, and satisfying all on its own. Still, it pairs well with a few simple sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For scooping up any extra sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine salad with Italian dressing balances the creaminess of the ziti.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini make great additions on the side.

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness.
• A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan gives a final touch of salt and umami.

Storing Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers.

Refrigerator:

• Let the baked ziti cool to room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezer:

• To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it.
• Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To cook from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes if needed.

Reheating:

• Reheat single servings in the microwave, covered loosely, for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
• For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed all the way through (about 20–25 minutes).

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Undercook the Pasta: Since it continues cooking in the oven, slightly underboiling keeps it from getting mushy.
• Grate Cheese Fresh: If possible, grate your own cheese for a smoother melt and fresher flavor.
• Warm the Sauce Slightly: This helps the cheeses blend more evenly and speeds up the bake time.
• Don’t Overbake: Once the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry out the dish.
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the ziti sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	21g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	15g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	740mg
Calcium	350mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients used.

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dish (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I freeze it after baking?
Yes, but the texture is best if frozen before baking. Still, baked and cooled ziti can be frozen in portions for easy meals.

Can I use jarred Alfredo instead of heavy cream?
You could, but it may change the flavor. Heavy cream keeps the sauce light and smooth, balancing the tomato base.

Is this dish spicy?
Not at all. It’s mild and family-friendly. You can always add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With its creamy tomato sauce, rich cheese blend, and golden topping, it hits the sweet spot between hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight dinner or a shared family meal, this recipe brings that restaurant-style coziness to your own kitchen—no reservations needed.