Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti

There is something incredibly comforting about creamy pasta dishes, and this Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti is no exception. With tender chunks of cooked chicken, luscious Alfredo sauce, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The ziti pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and baking it to golden perfection adds a delightful texture contrast. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleaser. The creamy Alfredo sauce envelops every piece of pasta, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful. Adding cooked chicken brings a hearty protein boost, making it a complete meal. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a bubbly, golden crust when baked, elevating the dish’s appeal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices, making it a versatile option for picky eaters and food lovers alike. This dish also reheats beautifully, so leftovers taste just as delicious as fresh.

Ingredient Notes

• Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for baked dishes because it holds the sauce well inside its hollow center. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
• Cooked Chicken: Use diced chicken breast or thigh meat that’s already cooked. Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience and flavor.
• Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce works well for easy weeknight meals, but you can also make your own for a fresher taste. The sauce provides the creamy base that ties all the ingredients together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a golden crust when baked.
• Olive Oil: Used to lightly coat the baking dish or sauté the chicken if cooking from raw.
• Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These spices add depth and classic Italian flavors without overpowering the creamy sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process to bring out the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note as a garnish to finish off the dish.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

• Large Pot: To boil the pasta until al dente.
• Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine pasta, sauce, chicken, and seasonings.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the ziti.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For mixing ingredients gently without breaking the pasta.
• Cheese Grater: If grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Oven Mitts: Safety first when handling the hot baking dish.

From Start to Finish: Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken isn’t already cooked, dice about 2 cups of chicken breast or thigh meat. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, diced chicken, and 2 cups of Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Make It Lighter

• Use a low-fat or lighter Alfredo sauce to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap out half of the mozzarella cheese for part-skim mozzarella.
• Incorporate steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to add fiber and nutrients.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added nutritional benefits.

Problems & Prevention

• Pasta Overcooked and Mushy: Be sure to drain the pasta as soon as it reaches al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
• Dry Chicken Pieces: Avoid overcooking the chicken by monitoring the cooking time closely and removing it from heat once cooked through.
• Sauce Too Thick or Thin: If the Alfredo sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream before mixing. If too thin, simmer gently to reduce and thicken.
• Cheese Not Melting Evenly: Distribute the cheese evenly and cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

This baked pasta dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through.

Ask & Learn

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly since rotisserie chicken is often already seasoned.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?

If you don’t have Alfredo sauce on hand, you can make a simple creamy sauce by melting butter, whisking in minced garlic, adding heavy cream or milk, and stirring in Parmesan cheese until smooth. This homemade sauce will give you that classic Alfredo flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also try adding plant-based meat alternatives to keep the protein content up.

How can I add more veggies to this recipe?

Great question! Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even roasted asparagus can be mixed in before baking. For a delicious twist, try the Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta for inspiration on combining these ingredients.

Keep Cooking

• For a fun twist on creamy chicken dishes, try this Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowl Recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
• If you love cheesy comfort food, don’t miss the Good Ole Mac And Cheese Recipe—it’s a classic that never disappoints.
• Explore more pasta options with the flavorful Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta, packed with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.

See You at the Table

This Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti is the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, sharing warmth, comfort, and smiles. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe to keep on rotation. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that final pop of color and freshness. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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