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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti - featured image
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A comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, homemade creamy Alfredo sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond milk)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of ziti and cook for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and golden on the edges. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and thicken the sauce.
  6. Gradually add 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  9. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  11. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with almond milk and coconut cream, and use vegan cheese. Letting the baked ziti rest a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve. You can prep ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, adding extra bake time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken baked ziti, creamy Alfredo, baked pasta, cheesy crust, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-golden-cheese-crust-delight/