Print

Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe Easy and Delicious

copycat olive garden five cheese ziti al forno - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy baked ziti casserole inspired by Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, featuring a blend of five cheeses and a homemade creamy tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Provolone cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of dried ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 24 ounces crushed tomatoes and stir. Let simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup ricotta cheese until smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the creamy tomato sauce until well coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with 1 cup shredded provolone, 1 cup shredded fontina, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan.
  7. Add the remaining pasta on top and finish with another generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. Layer cheeses between pasta for even cheesy bites. Let casserole rest before serving to thicken sauce and meld flavors. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce thickens too much during baking. Variations include adding sausage or vegetables, using dairy-free substitutes, or swapping pasta for low-carb alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, Olive Garden copycat, baked ziti, creamy pasta casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, Italian pasta recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-copycat-olive-garden-five-cheese-ziti-al-forno-recipe-easy-and-delicious/