Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and lots of melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is easy to prepare, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
For the Chicken Alfredo
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente.Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce.Stir until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Assemble
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.Garnish with parsley if desired.
Variation
- Add broccoli or spinach for a veggie version
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor
- Swap ziti with penne or rigatoni
- Add crispy bacon pieces
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes
Cooking Notes
- Do not overcook pasta before baking
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture
- Sauce will thicken more while baking
- Cover loosely if cheese browns too fast
- Let rest before serving for clean slices
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add roasted vegetables on the side
- Great for potlucks and gatherings
- Serve hot for best texture
Tips
- Shred chicken while warm for easy mixing
- Use whole milk if heavy cream is unavailable
- Season sauce gradually and taste as you go
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Reheat gently to keep sauce creamy
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 26g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
- Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
What chicken works best?
- Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
- Yes, but homemade gives better flavor.
How do I keep it creamy when reheating?
- Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting pasta bake that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese make this dish a guaranteed favorite.