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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti Recipe with Crispy Cheese Topping

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A comforting baked ziti dish featuring tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a crispy cheese topping, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente (penne or rigatoni can be used)
  • 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk or 2% milk (can substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of ziti pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in 2 ½ cups milk and ½ cup heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  8. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese topping bubbles and turns golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta before baking to avoid mushiness. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken. For extra crispy cheese topping, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully. Use fresh grated cheese for better melt and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, chicken Alfredo, creamy pasta, crispy cheese topping, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

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