Description
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and melty mozzarella in a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
-
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
-
- For the Ziti and Chicken:
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, Italian seasoning, and Alfredo sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American