Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti: A Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite
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Few pasta dishes bring the same comfort as this chicken Alfredo baked ziti recipe. It combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken breasts, and ziti pasta for a baked pasta dish that hits every craving. If you’re looking for delicious recipes that are simple enough for busy weeknights but satisfying enough to serve to guests, this is it. This easy baked ziti recipe uses basic ingredients like mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning—but the result is next level.
This cheesy Alfredo sauce pasta bake makes a big ol pan that can feed the whole family. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts, this creamy Alfredo pasta comes together quickly in a large skillet or stockpot and finishes in a prepared baking dish for that golden top.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked pasta is everything you love about traditional baked ziti but with a white Alfredo sauce twist. The creamy Alfredo sauce wraps every piece of ziti pasta, and the mozzarella cheese on top turns golden and bubbly. It’s a comfort food favorite that also works with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta shapes, depending on your dietary needs.
You can use a jar of Alfredo sauce, a cheesy homemade Alfredo sauce, or even make a lighter Alfredo sauce with sour cream or cream cheese. This dish can be customized with Italian sausage, ground beef, or cajun seasoning if you want to mix things up. It’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and great for anyone following a calorie diet but still wanting something cozy.
This is a weeknight meal that also makes amazing leftovers. Store it in an airtight container and reheat for lunch or another quick dinner. It’s the kind of pasta bake you’ll keep coming back to.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by cooking your ziti noodles in a large pot of salted cold water until just shy of pasta al dente. Follow the package directions for the exact cook time, then drain pasta and set aside.
In a separate large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a cutting board and chop it into small pieces. Carefully pour the grease into a bowl and return 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat to the skillet.
Stir in garlic or cloves garlic, and when the fat is warm, sprinkle in flour to make a roux. Stir continuously until it forms a thick paste. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, making sure to avoid any clumps. Once smooth, stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breasts, chopped bacon, ziti pasta, and cheesy Alfredo sauce. Mix everything until well coated. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a prepared baking dish (a 13-inch baking dish or casserole dish works well). Spread evenly and top with half of the mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a 350°F oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will settle—perfect for serving with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy baked pasta dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. The richness of the creamy Alfredo sauce balances nicely with a lighter side. Add roasted vegetables, additional toppings like red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan, and enjoy a full Italian-inspired meal.
Want to take it up a notch? Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and fresh herbs. If you’re meal prepping, divide portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
This is one of those pasta dishes that tastes even better the next day. You can even add a side of spaghetti sauce or meat sauce for variety if serving a crowd.
This chicken Alfredo baked ziti recipe brings together everything comforting in a single casserole dish. Creamy Alfredo, ziti pasta, tender chicken, and layers of cheesy goodness make it one of our favorite recipes to serve during busy weeknights.
It’s a flexible, easy casserole recipe that feels both classic and new. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner for two with leftovers to spare, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Follow the package directions for your pasta shape, play with additional mix-ins like sour cream or cream cheese, and don’t forget to wrap leftovers with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for another day.
This is a traditional Alfredo sauce pasta bake with that next level comfort your whole family will love.
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite made with tender chicken, ziti pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 2-3 Grilled Chicken Breasts, sliced
- 1 pkg Ziti Noodles
- 5 pieces of Bacon (or as much as you want)
- 2 Tablespoons Reserved Bacon fat
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella + more for topping
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking your ziti noodles in a large pot of salted water as indicated on the package.
- Cook bacon over medium heat. Once cooked, chop up the bacon into small pieces. Pour our the grease into a bowl and add back 2 Tablespoons of the reserved oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the reserved bacon fat and stir in garlic. When the fat is warm, add flour and stir until a thick paste forms.
- Slowly add in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
- Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Add cooked chicken breasts, bacon, noodles, and sauce into a large bowl and mix. Transfer into a 9x13 baking dish, top with mozzarella and set into 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
