Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Formaggio Pizza

The aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the Olive Garden when I first discovered their Chicken Formaggio Pizza years ago. One bite of this unique sauce-less creation, and I was utterly hooked. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and that incredible blend of Italian cheeses created a flavor experience unlike any pizza I’d tried before. When Olive Garden removed it from their menu, I was devastated – until I spent a weekend perfecting this copycat recipe. Now this discontinued restaurant favorite lives on in my kitchen, and the homemade version captures all the fresh, savory flavors that made the original so special.

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this sauce-less pizza lies in how the ingredients work together to create a juicy, flavorful base without traditional pizza sauce. When fresh tomatoes, garlic, and sautéed onions are spread directly on the dough, they release their natural juices during baking. The combination of Fontinella and mozzarella cheeses creates both rich flavor and that perfect stretchy cheese pull, while mushrooms and basil add earthy freshness. This unique approach yields a lighter, more flavor-focused pizza where every ingredient truly shines.

Olive Garden Chicken Formaggio Pizza Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast – Provides lean protein that pairs perfectly with the cheese blend
• Olive oil – Helps crisp the chicken while adding subtle fruity flavor
• Salt and pepper – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor

For the Tomato Mixture

• Tomatoes – Create a juicy base that replaces traditional sauce
• Onion – Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed
• Garlic – Provides essential savory flavor that permeates the entire pizza
• Olive oil – Helps sauté the aromatics and carries flavor throughout
• Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes
• Dried basil – Infuses the tomato mixture with classic Italian herb flavor

For the Cheese Blend

• Fontinella cheese – Offers a sweet, creamy texture and distinctive flavor
• Mozzarella cheese – Provides that classic melty pizza cheese experience
• Parmesan cheese – Adds aged, nutty flavor as the finishing touch

Additional Toppings

• Mushrooms – Contribute earthy flavor and meaty texture
• Pre-baked pizza crust – Creates a sturdy foundation for the toppings

Ingredient Notes

• You can use leftover chicken instead of cooking a chicken breast.
• If you can’t find fontinella cheese, you can substitute it with asiago.
• You can use fresh or jarred mushrooms.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Formaggio Pizza

1. Sauté or bake chicken breast until done.
2. Cool chicken to room temperature.
3. Cut chicken into thin strips.
4. Place tomatoes, garlic, salt, and basil in a bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Sauté onions and garlic briefly in olive oil.
   

   

6. Add tomatoes, salt, and basil. Stir to combine.
   

   

7. Spray or grease a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet.
8. Place the pizza crust on the pizza pan.
9. Spread the tomato mixture over the top of the crust.
   

   

10. Lay the chicken strips over the tomatoes.
    

    

11. Top with Fontinella and mozzarella cheeses.
    

    

12. Top with sliced mushrooms.
    

    

13. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
    

    

14. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the crust is piping hot.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil for up to 3 days.

Freezer Storage

• Individual slices can be frozen for up to 2 months
• Wrap each slice in parchment paper, then aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag
• Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating

Reheating Methods

• Air fryer method (best): Place pizza in air fryer basket and heat at 380°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy and hot
• Oven method: Preheat oven to 375°F, place pizza on a baking sheet, and reheat for 8-10 minutes until hot
• Skillet method: Place pizza in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes
• Microwave (least recommended): Use for 30-second intervals if you’re in a hurry, but expect a softer crust

Love Olive Garden? Try these copycat recipes!

• Chicken Margherita
• Chicken Scampi Recipe
• Olive Garden Breadsticks
• Olive Garden Salad
• Stuffed Chicken Marsala
• Tuscana Soup

Favorite Pizza Recipes

• CPK BBQ Chicken Pizza
• How to Make Margherita Pizza
• How to Make Pizza Crust from Scratch
• Pillsbury Veggie Pizza
• Pizza Dipping Sauce
• Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
• Uno Deep Dish Pizza

Check out my easy Italian recipes and the best Olive Garden recipes here on CopyKat!