Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Recipe – A creamy, cheesy Italian pasta bake made with ziti, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and a blend of Parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses. This Olive Garden-inspired dish is a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn how to make this baked ziti with cheese topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect finishing touch. Easy pasta recipes, cheesy pasta dishes, and Italian comfort food all come together in this delicious, cheesy pasta casserole. Great for meal prep, make-ahead meals, and freezer-friendly options. Pasta with cheese, marinara sauce, and the rich flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella will make this your new favorite recipe. Perfect for those searching for the best Italian pasta bake, creamy baked ziti, and family pasta recipes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 15 oz diced tomatoes (drained or 2 fresh diced tomatoes)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
• ½ cup fontina cheese (or grated Monterey Jack)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for coating pasta)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Coat the pasta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, ½ cup of fontina cheese, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Continue to stir until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Dish: Preheat your broiler. In an oven-safe dish, place the cooked ziti pasta. Pour the sauce over the pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese blend on top. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the cheese.
5. Broil: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese has browned and become bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno recipe brings the iconic flavors of Olive Garden into your kitchen with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. The rich marinara sauce, combined with heavy cream, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The crispy, golden-brown top adds the finishing touch that elevates this dish to perfection.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Cheese Choices: You can mix and match cheeses based on what you have available. If you don’t have fontina, try using mozzarella or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Pasta Type: If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni work well as alternatives.
• Tomatoes: If you prefer a chunkier texture, use fresh diced tomatoes; for a smoother sauce, use canned crushed tomatoes instead.
• Healthier Version: For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
• Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, use Italian-style breadcrumbs or add a sprinkle of garlic powder and herbs to the breadcrumbs before broiling.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the dish just before broiling. This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before broiling. When ready to serve, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, then finish with broiling the cheese to brown the top.

What if I don’t have a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts and forms a bubbly golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy and cheesy Ziti Al Forno pairs perfectly with a light side salad, such as a simple Caesar salad, and a warm loaf of garlic bread. For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Wine Pairing: Pair this indulgent dish with a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Merlot, to complement the tomato sauce and rich cheeses.