Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s packed with tender chicken and luscious Alfredo sauce, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti is the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s creamy, flavorful, and topped with golden, bubbly cheese that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to disappear fast!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something truly irresistible about a baked pasta casserole loaded with creamy sauce, melty cheese, and hearty chicken. This Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti hits all those delicious notes while being incredibly easy to make.
- Comfort food classic: The combination of pasta, Alfredo sauce, and cheese is universally loved.
- One-dish wonder: Pasta, protein, and sauce all baked together for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or cheese to make it your own.
- Perfectly portioned: The 12 oz of ziti pasta serves about 4-6 people, ideal for families or meal prep.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up cooked chicken, making dinner a breeze on busy nights. If you’re looking for something similarly creamy but with a fresh twist, check out my 20 Minute Blackened Chicken Alfredo Zoodles for a lighter alternative.
What Goes Into Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients that come together to make this cheesy, comforting pasta bake:
- 12 oz ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto all that creamy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced: Use shredded or diced chicken breast for tender protein.
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce: Creamy and rich, this is the heart of the dish.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey, melty cheese on top.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with savory garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For subtle heat and spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook and flavor the chicken if starting from raw.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread. For another creamy pasta favorite, you might enjoy my Creamy Tomato Parmesan Penne recipe.
Appliances & Accessories
To make this Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti at home, here’s what you’ll need on hand:
- Large pot – to boil the ziti pasta until al dente.
- Colander – to drain the cooked pasta.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine pasta, sauce, chicken, and seasonings.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for assembling and baking the ziti.
- Oven – to bake until bubbly and golden on top.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient portions.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir everything together.
Optional accessories like a cheese grater and kitchen shears can make prep easier, but aren’t essential.
Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the 2 cups diced cooked chicken and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture. Then add the cooked ziti and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Better Choices & Swaps
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap with turkey for a slightly different flavor.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or even shells can be great substitutes if you don’t have ziti.
- Sauce: Use a homemade Alfredo sauce or a store-bought version depending on your time.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different melty texture.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can be used instead of parsley for garnish.
If you want to add some veggies, try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers stirred into the pasta before baking.
Notes on Ingredients
- Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce well, but feel free to use any medium tubular pasta.
- Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce is a time-saver, but homemade will taste even richer.
- Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken breast keeps this recipe quick. You can also dice leftover chicken from other meals.
- Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess. Make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
- Cheese: Parmesan brings sharpness while mozzarella gives that gooey melt on top.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare this Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti a day ahead. Assemble the pasta in the baking dish but wait to bake until ready to serve. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Quick Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully cooked and thawed before adding it to the pasta mixture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled, unbaked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What side dishes pair well with this baked ziti?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make great sides that balance the richness of this pasta bake.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
- Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Halves – A flavorful stuffed chicken recipe that’s perfect for dinner.
- Creamy Tomato Parmesan Penne – Another creamy pasta dish with a rich tomato twist.
- 20 Minute Blackened Chicken Alfredo Zoodles – A lighter, low-carb take on creamy chicken Alfredo.
Make It Tonight
Ready to dive into the cheesy, creamy goodness of this baked pasta? Gather your ingredients, cook the pasta, mix up the sauce, and let the oven do its magic. This Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti is an easy, flavorful way to turn a busy night into a delicious celebration of comfort food. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and perhaps a side salad or crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to satisfy every craving.
Try making it tonight, and enjoy the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and savory in every bite!
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Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in 2 cups diced cooked chicken and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture. Then add the cooked ziti and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, convenient option.
- Substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or shells if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat gently.
