Description
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that perfectly blends tender chicken breast, al dente ziti, and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Baked to perfection with a bubbly, golden-brown crust of mozzarella and parmesan, this hearty dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner. By pre-cooking the pasta slightly firm and utilizing fresh garlic and quality cream, you achieve a professional texture and flavor profile that brings warmth to any dining table.
Ingredients
16 oz Ziti Pasta
2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 cups Heavy cream
1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, low moisture
4 cloves Garlic, minced
3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook ziti for two minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and alfredo sauce in a large baking dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
Penne pasta can be used as a substitute for Ziti if preferred. For best results, grate your parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated varieties to ensure a smoother sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg