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Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat

Indulge in Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat Bliss

This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat combines creamy cheese, marinara, and pasta for a delightful dinner experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Ziti
  • 1 lb ziti pasta or penne or rigatoni
  • 1 cup bread crumbs for topping
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter option
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes drained if canned
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
For the Cheesy Blend
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese blend or Pecorino Romano for a twist
  • ½ cup fontina cheese or Monterey Jack or Gruyère
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese fresh mozzarella for softer texture

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir in sugar and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked ziti as the base and pour the cheesy sauce over it.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, parmesan, and bread crumbs evenly on top.
  5. Cover and bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for a golden crust.
  6. Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ingredients and keep an eye on the cheese to avoid greasiness.

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