Description
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy Italian-American casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, al dente ziti pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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 added depth)
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
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Set the sauce aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using raw chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If chicken is pre-cooked, simply shred or dice it.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and prepared Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated. Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly through the mixture.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of olive oil. Pour the pasta, chicken, and sauce mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and Serve: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly. Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter Alfredo sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking prevents the cheese from drying out.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken slightly for better texture.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a subtle fresh flavor but is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti, creamy baked pasta, cheesy baked ziti, easy chicken pasta bake, Italian casserole
