Easy Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti - a creamy, cheesy pasta bake made with a lighter homemade Alfredo-style sauce (no heavy cream needed)! Tender grilled chicken and ziti are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan béchamel, layered with plenty of mozzarella, and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or freezing for later. Comfort food at its best!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Baked Pasta, Baked Ziti, Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 807kcal

Author Evelyn Osborn

Equipment

Ingredients

16 ounces ziti
2 ½ cups grilled chicken cut into bite size pieces
3 Tablespoons olive oil
12 cloves garlic chopped very fine
7 Tablespoons flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups parmesan cheese grated
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Alfredo Sauce:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture starts to thicken. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in the cooked, chopped chicken. Set aside.

For the Pasta

While preparing the white sauce, cook the ziti according to package directions.
Drain the pasta well and return it to the stockpot. Cover to keep warm.

To Assemble

Pour the finished white sauce (with chicken) over the drained ziti and gently stir until evenly combined.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella evenly over the surface.
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the top is lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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