Description
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti combines tender pasta and shredded chicken in a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting Italian-American casserole is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
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
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, stirring constantly to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. If the chicken is not pre-cooked, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure the sauce coats every piece evenly. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and stir to distribute it throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat your 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 mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley (if using) and serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half in the Alfredo sauce.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a hint of fresh flavor, but is optional.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti, creamy baked pasta, Italian casserole, chicken pasta bake, Alfredo sauce pasta
