Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti 🍝🍗

This delicious Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, and a melty topping make it a comforting dish that everyone will love! Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. 🌿🥗

Ingredients

For the baked ziti

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the topping

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.

   🍗 Grilled chicken works best for this dish, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

4. Assemble the dish: Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch!

   🌟 For added flavor, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for a little kick!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian dish! 🥬🍄
• Spicy: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or spicy sausage into the mixture for a fiery version!
• Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier twist. It’ll add more fiber and make the dish a bit nutty in flavor.
• Creamy Pesto: Substitute part of the Alfredo sauce with basil pesto for a burst of fresh flavor!

Enjoy this comforting Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti—it’s creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible! 🍽️❤️