This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Tender ziti pasta, creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, and juicy bites of chicken come together under a bubbly layer of cheese.
It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any night you need a little extra comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
This recipe takes the classic Alfredo pasta everyone loves and turns it into a hearty baked dish.
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
- Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining
- Freezer-friendly for busy weeks
- Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or salad
When I was growing up, my mom’s food truck wasn’t just about tacos — she also served creamy pasta dishes on Fridays for the dinner crowd. This recipe reminds me of those nights, where the smell of garlic butter and Parmesan filled the air and folks lined up before the lights even turned on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy baked pasta is built on three simple parts: the Alfredo sauce, the pasta and chicken, and a cheesy baked topping.
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – creates the rich, velvety base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds deep flavor
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half) – the creamy backbone
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – nutty, salty perfection
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – balances the sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – for subtle warmth
For the Ziti and Chicken
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta – firm enough for baking
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced – adds heartiness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – classic herbal balance
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – melty and gooey
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds bite and browning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for color and freshness
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack
- Stir in crispy bacon or mushrooms for texture
- Try whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’ll love how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into a restaurant-style meal baked to perfection.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). (This gives a perfectly melted, bubbly top.)
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken in olive oil with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in cream, then whisk in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl until everything is well coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving
- Add extra sauce if you like it creamier
Expert Tips for Success
This recipe is foolproof, but these small tweaks take it from great to unforgettable.
- Add pasta water to thin the sauce if needed — it adds body and silkiness
- Use full-fat cream for the richest flavor
- Mix half mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch
- Layer sauce and pasta for even coverage when baking
- Taste and adjust salt before baking — cheese adds saltiness too
- Reheat leftovers covered so the cheese stays soft
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the mozzarella topping for aroma
If you love creamy pastas, try my Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne for another weeknight favorite, or make it a full Italian spread with buttery Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but a few sides turn it into a full Italian-style meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
- Add a green salad with Italian dressing for balance
- Pair with roasted vegetables or asparagus
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and black pepper before serving
- Try with Hearty Baked Ziti for a family-style pasta dinner
- Serve next to Zuppa Toscana Casserole for a cozy, creamy duo
Storing and Reheating
This pasta bake keeps beautifully and reheats like a dream.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again
- Keep covered to prevent drying out
How to Reheat It
- Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally
- Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce
- Sprinkle fresh cheese before serving for that just-baked flavor
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 560 | Fat: 34g | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 32g | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly with foil before baking, then thaw and bake when needed.
What can I serve this with?
Try it alongside Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta for variety or Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls for the perfect finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is the definition of comfort — creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden perfection. It’s one of those recipes that reminds you how good simple food can taste when made with care.
Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this one-pan pasta bake brings everyone to the table. Every bite is rich, cozy, and full of love — just how homemade dinners should be.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor
- Don’t overcook before baking
- Serve hot and bubbly straight from the oven
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl and mix to coat.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or stir in broccoli or spinach for added veggies.
- Swap mozzarella with provolone for variety.
- Let dish rest before serving for easier slicing.
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