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Baked Chicken Ziti Alfredo

This Baked Chicken Ziti Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and broccoli for a comforting, easy-to-make casserole everyone will love.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked broccoli florets optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Remove the skillet from heat.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Once warmed, slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly. Keep the sauce warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cooked broccoli florets if using. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the broccoli and chicken are distributed throughout.

Assemble and Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden-brown crust.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the baked chicken ziti Alfredo from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best as it will bake further.
  • If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, loosen with milk or pasta water before combining with pasta.
  • Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent drying, then remove to brown cheese.
  • Swap broccoli for other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.