There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, cheesy pasta bake fresh out of the oven—and Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is the perfect embodiment of that indulgent, soul-satisfying warmth. Imagine tender bites of seasoned chicken, al dente ziti pasta, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, all layered with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a potluck, this dish never fails to impress. It’s creamy, savory, and hearty—everything a great comfort meal should be.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 pound ziti pasta
The sturdy shape of ziti holds onto the Alfredo sauce beautifully, creating a perfectly creamy bite every time. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Used to sauté the chicken, adding richness and helping to develop flavor. - 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
The protein base of the dish—mild-flavored chicken soaks up the creamy Alfredo sauce while adding texture and heartiness. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Enhances the savory notes in the chicken with a subtle, aromatic punch. - Salt and black pepper, to taste
Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce, balancing richness with depth. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Forms the rich base of the Alfredo sauce, delivering flavor and creaminess. - 4 cloves garlic, minced
Aromatic and sharp, fresh garlic deepens the flavor of the homemade Alfredo sauce. - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Used to create a light roux that thickens the sauce without making it too heavy. - 2 cups heavy cream
Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that defines Alfredo sauce. - 1 cup whole milk
Balances out the heavy cream so the sauce remains rich but not overwhelming. - 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
The key ingredient for authentic Alfredo flavor—salty, nutty, and perfectly melty. - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Melted between and on top of the pasta layers, mozzarella gives this baked ziti its irresistible gooey topping. - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Assemble
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, chicken, and about two-thirds of the Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
6. Layer the Bake
Spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then pour the rest of the Alfredo sauce over the top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a final sprinkle of Parmesan.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti brings together the comforting flavors of a creamy Alfredo pasta and the satisfying texture of a cheesy baked casserole. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for feeding a crowd, and kid-approved. The homemade Alfredo sauce truly sets this recipe apart—no jarred shortcuts here, just pure, velvety richness made from scratch.
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best sauce texture, grate it yourself.
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente: This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy after baking.
- Let it rest before serving: This helps the sauce thicken and the layers settle, making for cleaner slices and richer flavor.
- Add veggies: Want a complete meal? Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach with the pasta for a boost of nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad, a side of garlic bread, and a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. For a comforting family-style dinner or an impressive potluck contribution, it’s a winning centerpiece.
Conclusion: Creamy, Cheesy, and Unforgettable
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is everything you want in a comfort food classic—creamy homemade Alfredo, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of gooey cheese. It’s simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Related Article: Juicy Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: A Flavor-Packed Grilled Classic
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes and then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Assemble the unbaked ziti in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
4. Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, though homemade Alfredo sauce delivers superior flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, use about 3 to 3½ cups of high-quality jarred Alfredo sauce. Heat it before mixing it into the pasta to ensure smooth consistency.
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