Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a decadent and comforting dish that features ziti pasta smothered in a creamy blend of five cheeses, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring ziti smothered in marinara, heavy cream, and five delicious cheeses for the ultimate comfort meal!
Why This Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Is the Best
- Creamy Five Cheese Blend: The dish is made with a luscious blend of five cheeses, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Baked to Perfection: The ziti pasta is baked until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden-brown, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, providing a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh herbs and a crispy breadcrumb crust, the dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or looking for a comforting and indulgent meal, Olive Garden’s Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Ziti: A hearty, tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides a savory, slightly tangy foundation.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety richness, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: Introduces fresh, juicy bites that enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese Blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago): A mix of sharp, nutty, and tangy cheeses that add complexity to the dish.
- Fontina Cheese (or Monterey Jack substitute): Melts smoothly, adding a buttery, slightly nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides the gooey, stretchy cheesiness that makes this dish irresistibly indulgent.
- Bread Crumbs: Forms a crisp, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Tips for Making the Best Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
- Use High-Quality Cheeses: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality cheeses for the blend.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Generously Top with Breadcrumbs: Apply a generous amount of breadcrumbs to the top of the dish for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake Until Golden-Brown: Bake the dish until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden-brown for the best results.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With a Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with a cold drink like iced tea or a glass of wine to complement the flavors.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into a plate of this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno—each bite filled with tender ziti pasta, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and a golden-brown breadcrumb crust, all garnished with fresh herbs. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create this comforting and indulgent meal to impress your loved ones and make any occasion special!
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend grated parmesan, Romano, Asiago
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese can use grated Monterey Jack
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
- 15 oz diced tomatoes drained or 2 diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, tomatoes, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup of fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce turns bubbly, then remove it from the heat.
- Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe serving dish and generously ladle the sauce over the top. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese along with 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese blend over the dish.
- Add breadcrumbs evenly over the surface, then place under the broiler just until the cheese browns. Finish by garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For the cheese blends, feel free to use all parmesan cheese for a mix of Asiago, Romano, and parmesan, or opt for an Italian cheese blend that contains all five varieties. If you prefer, substitute Fontina cheese with white Monterey Jack cheese.
- To make this dish ahead or to freeze it, cook the noodles for under 2 minutes, rinse them with cold water, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the noodles to a baking dish, prepare the sauce, and let it cool slightly before pouring over the pasta. Avoid stirring the sauce in to keep the layers intact. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring ziti smothered in marinara, heavy cream, and five delicious cheeses for the ultimate comfort meal!