Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, ziti pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a comforting and flavorful pasta bake.
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Why This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti Is the Best
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: The Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, perfectly coating the ziti pasta and chicken.
- Tender Chicken: The pieces of chicken are cooked until tender, adding a satisfying protein component to the dish.
- Hearty Pasta: Ziti pasta is ideal for holding onto the sauce, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Melted Cheese Topping: The dish is topped with melted cheese, adding a rich and creamy layer that complements the sauce and pasta.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner option, Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is the perfect choice. The combination of rich sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti:
- Ziti Pasta: Holds the creamy Alfredo sauce well. You can substitute with any sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni.
- Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and a savory base. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer, complementing the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Herbs: Adds bold flavor and a fresh, aromatic finish.
Alfredo Sauce:
- Garlic: Adds depth and savory richness to the sauce.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Creates a lighter, flavorful sauce base.
- Low-Fat Milk: Balances creaminess while keeping it lighter than traditional cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient for a sharp, nutty flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, high-quality pasta, and fresh parsley.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the ziti just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Generously Layer Sauce and Cheese: Layer the Alfredo sauce and cheese generously to ensure each bite is flavorful and rich.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the dish until the cheese is melted and golden brown for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- With a Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with a refreshing drink like iced tea or sparkling water to complement the flavors.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti—each bite filled with tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese, all garnished with fresh parsley. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
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Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Chicken Baked Ziti
- 12 ounces uncooked ziti or any pasta shape
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (approx 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 batch alfredo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
To Make The Chicken Baked Ziti:
- Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of salted boiling water as per the package directions. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and mix in the chicken and Alfredo sauce until well combined.
- Spread half of the pasta into the baking dish, making an even layer. Top it with 1 cup of mozzarella, sprinkling it evenly. Add the rest of the pasta on top, then finish with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Take it out of the oven and serve right away, adding your favorite toppings if you like.
To Make The Alfredo Sauce:
- Warm olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring now and then, until it’s fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Cook for another minute, stirring occasionally, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about a minute, letting it thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti