Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for the ultimate cozy dinner, this Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food) is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken, hearty pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and layers of gooey, bubbly cheese—all baked to golden perfection. It's the perfect dish for family gatherings, lazy weeknights, or when you just need a little extra comfort. Hungry yet? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
- Loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or alternative proteins.
- One-dish meal that’s simple to prep and clean up.
- Reliable winner for picky eaters, potlucks, and special occasions!
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food) Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
Step 1: Prepare the Ziti Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, ricotta, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half the chicken Alfredo mixture over the pasta. Repeat layers with remaining ziti and Alfredo sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Let the Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes for the Best Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
- For homemade Alfredo sauce, check out this classic Alfredo sauce recipe.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for quick meal prep.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Variations: Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food) Your Way
- Spinach & Mushroom: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and 2 cups baby spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
- Broccoli Alfredo: Stir in 2 cups steamed broccoli florets with the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
Required Equipment for Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
- A glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio) complements the creamy flavors nicely.
Pro Tips for Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food)
- For extra creaminess, add an additional ½ cup Alfredo sauce before baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor (learn more about shredding your own cheese).
- Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it just al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti (Oven Comfort Food) FAQ
- Can I use penne pasta instead of ziti?
- Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni both work well in this recipe—just cook to al dente.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Use your favorite gluten-free ziti and double-check that your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free, too. For more info, check out gluten-free resources.
- Can I prepare Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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3In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced cooked chicken and season with black pepper, Italian herbs, and salt.
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4In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
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5Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
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6Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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