Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is your go-to for those days when comfort food is a must. It’s made with a lighter Alfredo sauce but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplified Alfredo sauce makes it lighter but still creamy.
• Uses common pantry ingredients for an easy, delicious meal.
• Great for meal prepping and reheats beautifully.
• Adapts to various pasta shapes and whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked ziti (or any pasta shape): The base of the dish, choose your favorite that holds sauce well; alternatives like penne or rigatoni work too.
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts): Adds protein; rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute.
• 1 batch alfredo sauce (see below): Creamy and light, it’s the heart of the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy finish.
• Toppings: lots of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, finely-chopped fresh basil or parsley: Adds freshness and flavor complexity to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Sauteing the garlic; olive oil offers a fruity note, while butter provides richness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock: Introduces depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
• 1 cup low-fat milk: Balances richness with healthfulness in the Alfredo sauce.
• 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that traditional Alfredo taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Basic seasoning for balance.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to enhance flavors.

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, but reduce the time by two minutes to keep it al dente—it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in the stock and milk, cooking until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving with fresh basil or parsley.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting with a cold dish.

What can I use instead of chicken?

Turkey or tofu can be great alternatives. If using tofu, choose firm or extra-firm to maintain texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.