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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat: Comfort in Every Bite

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat is a creamy, cheesy delight that transforms family meals into cozy Italian feasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta Substitute with penne for similar texture.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Use your favorite homemade marinara for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used for better flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Adjust based on marinara sauce sweetness.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Blend Romano cheese also works well.
  • 1 cup Fontina Cheese Monterey Jack can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Any melting cheese can be used.
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs Omit if desired, but enhances the crunch.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • oven-safe dish
  • broiler

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then toss with olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Melt the Cheeses: Remove sauce from heat and stir in ½ cup each of Parmesan, Fontina, and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large oven-safe dish, layer cooked ziti and pour cheesy marinara sauce over it. Gently mix to coat.
  5. Top with Cheese and Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then add breadcrumbs.
  6. Broil for Perfection: Preheat broiler to high and broil assembled dish for about 3 to 5 minutes until top is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh Parmesan and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Quality marinara sauce enhances flavor. Assembling and serving immediately yields the best texture. Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.

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