Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat brings the indulgent, cheesy, oven-baked goodness of the restaurant favorite right into my kitchen. With layers of tender pasta, a creamy five-cheese blend, and a crispy golden topping, it’s a comfort food dish I find myself coming back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, cheesy, and satisfying—exactly what I crave on a cozy night in. The blend of five cheeses creates a velvety, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, while the baked topping gives that irresistible golden finish. It’s a perfect make-ahead or weeknight dinner option, and it never fails to impress guests with how close it tastes to the real Olive Garden version.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ziti pasta

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce

• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup fontina cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup Romano cheese, shredded

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Then, I cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. I drain and set it aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. I stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. I add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.

5. I transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

6. For the topping, I sprinkle the additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

7. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. I remove it from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so I have it on the table in roughly 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce mixture for a heartier version.

• For a spicy kick, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.

• If I don’t have fontina, I substitute it with provolone or extra mozzarella.

• Gluten-free ziti works great in this dish for a gluten-sensitive crowd.

• I’ve also tossed in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual portions or cover the entire baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. If I’ve frozen it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How close does this taste to the real Olive Garden version?

I find it incredibly close in taste and texture—rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Using the five-cheese combo makes all the difference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when starting from cold.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Absolutely. I freeze it before baking, then bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes covered, then uncover and finish baking until bubbly.

What other pasta can I use instead of ziti?

I’ve used penne, rigatoni, and even rotini. Any short pasta with ridges works well to hold the cheese sauce.

Do I need both marinara and Alfredo sauce?

For the most authentic taste and creamy texture, I always use both. The Alfredo adds richness and balances the acidity of the marinara.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat is one of my go-to comfort meals when I’m craving something cheesy, hearty, and easy to make. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant.