Baked Ziti Alfredo with Chicken

Ingredients:

Pasta & Chicken:

1 lb ziti (or penne)

2–3 cups cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or shredded)

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powde

Alfredo Sauce:

4 tbsp

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Cheese Mix:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

½ cup grated Parmesan

Optional: 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (for creamier texture)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook Pasta

Boil ziti in salted water until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

3. Make Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium hat.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and smooth.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

4. Combine

In a large bowl:

Mix cooked ziti, chicken, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and optional ricotta.

Pour in Alfredo sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.

5. Assemble & Bake

Pour mixture into the baking dish.

Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Broil (Optional)

For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

7. Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Variations:

Add spinach or broccoli for greens.

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni.