Welcome a truly comforting and incredibly simple meal into your weeknight rotation!
Table of Contents
This chicken ziti broccoli alfredo bake combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s a satisfying, cheesy pasta dish that comes together quickly, making dinner effortless and delicious. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic, easy-to-make casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Ziti Broccoli Alfredo
This irresistible chicken ziti broccoli alfredo is a surefire hit for many reasons.
- It’s a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal that saves you time and effort.
- Enjoy a wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that truly comforts.
- This recipe offers perfect one-pan convenience, minimizing cleanup after cooking.
- You can easily customize this chicken ziti broccoli alfredo to suit your family’s preferences.
- It’s a crowd-pleasing family favorite that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Ingredients
This delightful chicken ziti broccoli alfredo starts with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Cooking spray
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (12-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 2 cups alfredo sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
When choosing your ingredients, ziti rigati, with its ridges, holds sauce beautifully, but smooth ziti works just as well. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great alternative to tenderloins; simply cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. While homemade alfredo sauce offers unparalleled richness, a good quality jarred sauce makes this creamy chicken ziti broccoli alfredo even quicker. For the broccoli, fresh florets are excellent if blanched slightly before mixing, though thawed frozen broccoli is convenient and works perfectly. Feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. You can also boost the vegetable content with additions like sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this fantastic chicken ziti broccoli alfredo.
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or an 11x7x2-inch / 2½-quart dish)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet for browning chicken
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Get ready to assemble your delicious chicken ziti broccoli alfredo with these straightforward steps.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 11x7x2-inch (2½-quart) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you’re making homemade alfredo sauce, prepare it now and set it aside; otherwise, proceed with a jarred sauce.
Next, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Follow the package directions, but cook the pasta for one minute less than al dente. This crucial step prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Drain the pasta thoroughly. While the ziti boils, you can start on the chicken.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt (about ½ teaspoon), and pepper (about ¼ teaspoon). Sauté the chicken, stirring frequently, just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the sautéed chicken, and the thawed broccoli florets. Pour in the alfredo sauce and stir everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. This mixture forms the heart of your baked chicken ziti broccoli alfredo.
Transfer the entire ziti mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The dish is ready when the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly golden brown.
Finally, remove the baked chicken ziti broccoli alfredo from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set and thicken slightly, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly creamy. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieve the best texture by undercooking your pasta slightly, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy in the oven. Always generously salt your pasta water; it adds flavor to the pasta itself. Thaw your frozen broccoli completely, but do not precook it; it will finish cooking in the oven. Feel free to adjust the alfredo sauce quantity to your liking for more or less creaminess. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella. Emphasize the resting time after baking; it helps the sauce thicken beautifully. Due to its richness, serve this chicken ziti broccoli alfredo in moderate portions.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chicken ziti broccoli alfredo pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad. A light, vinegary dressing will cut through the richness of the pasta. Serve it alongside some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken ziti broccoli alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, cover the dish and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or use the microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of water or milk before reheating to restore moisture and creaminess. Freezing this casserole is generally best with store-bought alfredo sauce, as homemade sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing.
Variations
Get creative with your baked chicken ziti broccoli alfredo! Use different short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Incorporate other cooked vegetables such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. Experiment with cheese blends like provolone or a cheddar-mozzarella mix for different flavor profiles. For an added textural crunch, sprinkle a breadcrumb topping mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking.
Nutrition Information
This chicken ziti broccoli alfredo offers a fulfilling meal.
- Calories: 688 kcal
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Please note: This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use jarred alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using jarred alfredo sauce is a fantastic way to make this chicken ziti broccoli alfredo even quicker and more convenient.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets. For best results, blanch them slightly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the pasta mixture.
Can I freeze this casserole for later?
This casserole freezes best if you use a store-bought alfredo sauce, as homemade sauces may separate and become grainy when thawed.
How do I prevent my pasta from becoming mushy?
The key is to cook your ziti one minute less than the package directions for al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
What if my alfredo sauce is too thick?
If your alfredo sauce seems too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This easy chicken ziti broccoli alfredo bake is truly a winner, combining minimal effort with maximum flavor. Its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover your new go-to pasta bake. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your five-star ratings!
Easy Chicken Ziti Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray an 11x7x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare homemade alfredo sauce now if using, otherwise proceed with jarred sauce.
- Cook the ziti in boiling salted water for one minute less than al dente, then drain it.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté chicken seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cooked through and no longer pink.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, chicken, thawed broccoli florets, and alfredo sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the ziti mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce thicken.