Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Savor the rich flavors of this Olive Garden-inspired Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, a deliciously creamy baked pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a decadent blend of five cheeses, this easy recipe offers a comforting meal that your family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it features a crispy breadcrumb topping and is quick to prepare

Ingredients

• Pasta:
• 1 lb ziti
• Sauce:
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained (or 2 diced fresh tomatoes)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Cheese Blend:
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
• ½ cup fontina cheese (or grated Monterey Jack)
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
• Topping:
• ¼ cup bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the ziti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, ½ cup of fontina cheese, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring until the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   In an oven-safe serving dish, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese blend. Finally, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top.
4. Broil:
   Place the dish under the broiler until the cheese is golden and bubbly, approximately 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight that’s reminiscent of Olive Garden’s classic dish!