Go Back
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Melissa Andrew

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Prep Time 15 minutes
Bake Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g ziti or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until just al dente
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  4. Add the cooked chicken and lightly sauté for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
  7. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds
  8. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk while stirring continuously
  9. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened
  10. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth
  11. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg
  12. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and well blended
  13. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet
  14. Toss everything together until evenly coated in sauce
  15. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick
  16. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish
  17. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese
  18. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place dish in the center rack
  19. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling
  20. Switch to broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden crust
  21. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving
  22. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm

Notes

  • Protein: 34 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg