Ziti al Forno – Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this Ziti al Forno recipe is the ultimate comfort food.

Inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved version, this dish features perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a rich five-cheese marinara sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy pasta bake is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-style taste at home – Recreate your Olive Garden favorite without leaving your kitchen.

Creamy and comforting – The five-cheese marinara is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.

Customizable – Easy to add proteins like chicken, sausage, or even vegetables.

Make-ahead and freezer friendly – Ideal for busy nights or meal prep.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

For the Pasta:

Ziti pasta – A medium-sized, tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully.

Penne can also be used.

Olive oil – Prevents the pasta from sticking together after draining.

For the Five-Cheese Marinara Sauce:

Marinara sauce – Choose a quality store-bought jar or use homemade for deeper flavor.

Heavy cream – Adds a velvety texture to the tomato sauce.

Diced tomatoes – Provide texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor.

Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Parmesan cheese blend – A mix of grated Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago for depth.

Fontina cheese – Smooth and creamy. Monterey Jack is a great substitute.

Mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melty goodness throughout and on top.

For the Topping:

Bread crumbs – Toast up golden and crispy for contrast.

Extra parmesan – For a final garnish that elevates the whole dish.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cook pasta al dente – It will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overboil.

Use a broiler-safe dish – This helps achieve that signature browned cheese top.

Shred cheese fresh if possible – Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.

Make it your own – Add cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies for a hearty twist.

Double the sauce – If you like your pasta extra saucy, consider making a bit more of the five-cheese blend.

How to Make Ziti al Forno

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add 1 lb of ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.

Drain well, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking, and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Five-Cheese Marinara Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup heavy cream

15 oz diced tomatoes (drained)

1 tsp sugar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, stir in:

½ cup of the Parmesan cheese blend

½ cup fontina cheese

½ cup mozzarella cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Transfer the cooked ziti into a large oven-safe baking dish.

Pour the warm cheese sauce over the pasta and toss to combine gently.

Top the pasta with:

1 cup mozzarella cheese

¼ cup Parmesan cheese blend

¼ cup bread crumbs (for a crispy topping)

Step 4: Broil Until Golden

Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely.

Broil just until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.

Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

A green salad – Add freshness and contrast to the richness of the dish.

Steamed broccoli or asparagus – For a simple veggie side.

Italian red wine – Like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory sauce.

Variations / Substitutions

Add protein – Stir in grilled chicken, crumbled sausage, or sautéed shrimp.

Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to the sauce.

Vegetarian version – Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.

Gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to suit your dietary needs.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: This pasta freezes well! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Add a splash of milk or cream if it’s dry.

FAQs

Can I make Ziti al Forno ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before broiling.

Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Let it cool, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What’s the difference between ziti and baked ziti?
Ziti refers to the pasta itself.

Baked ziti typically includes layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, baked until bubbly.

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well with this creamy cheese sauce.

What cheese substitutes can I use?
You can swap Fontina for Monterey Jack or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a similar texture.

Can I use jarred marinara?
Yes! Just choose a high-quality brand since it’s a major part of the flavor.

How do I prevent it from drying out?
Don’t overbake and make sure the sauce fully coats the pasta before topping with cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Ziti al Forno is everything you want in a comfort food classic—creamy, cheesy, a little crunchy on top, and packed with bold Italian flavor.

Whether you’re serving a family dinner, entertaining guests, or prepping meals for the week, this Olive Garden-inspired dish delivers cozy satisfaction every time.

Once you try this easy, crowd-pleasing bake, you’ll never look at pasta night the same way again.