Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delightful baked ziti with broccoli and alfredo sauce brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers adore this creamy, cheesy combination that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Tender broccoli florets nestle between layers of perfectly cooked ziti, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Warm, gooey cheese melts throughout each bite, promising a satisfying experience for everyone at the table.

Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious richness that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary casseroles.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight champion that feels like a special treat.

Let’s uncover how to create this irresistible pasta masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tasty Variations for Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Chicken Alfredo Ziti: Replace broccoli with grilled, shredded chicken breast for a protein-packed meal. Add diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Ziti: Swap broccoli with roasted zucchini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking.
• Spicy Sausage Ziti: Mix in cooked, sliced Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for a zesty kick. Top with extra mozzarella for gooey goodness.
• Seafood Ziti Casserole: Incorporate cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Best Pairings for Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the cheeses.
• Create Garlic Bread Side: Prepare a crusty garlic bread with herbs to provide a crunchy texture contrast and enhance the Italian flavors of the baked ziti.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy pasta dish and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Serve Chilled Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon to the sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing accompaniment to the rich ziti.

Storage Advice for Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the baked ziti covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if sauce looks dry.

FAQs About Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the pasta to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use a vegetarian Alfredo sauce and ensure all cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat Alfredo sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also increase the proportion of broccoli to add more nutrients and fiber to the dish.

• What protein can I add to this baked ziti?

Grilled chicken, cooked ground turkey, or sautéed shrimp work great. Add the protein when mixing the pasta with the sauce for a more substantial meal.

What Makes Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce So Delicious

• Rescue Weeknight Dinners: Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce in one simple dish that saves precious cooking time and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Veggie-Packed Comfort Food: Sneaks nutritious broccoli into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that kids and adults will devour without resistance.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding grilled chicken, using different cheese blends, or incorporating other vegetables to match family preferences and pantry availability.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep, straightforward mixing, and a single baking dish mean less work and more enjoyment during mealtime.

Key Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Ziti Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape perfect for baked dishes with a tubular design that catches sauce beautifully.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and a pleasant texture to the creamy pasta dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that melts smoothly and creates a gooey, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese that provides a sharp and salty flavor to the top of the dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce made with rich dairy ingredients that coats the pasta with a luxurious flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the overall flavor profile of the baked ziti.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some serious pasta magic.

Step 2: Boil and Blanch the Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta following the package instructions. Drop in broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain completely, shaking off excess water.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cooked ziti
• Broccoli florets
• Alfredo sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients are perfectly blended and every piece is coated with deliciousness.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously across the top, creating a golden blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting, cheesy creation.

Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture while preventing overcooking during the baking process.
• Choose fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious sauce that melts beautifully throughout the pasta.
• Season generously with Italian herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the Alfredo sauce.
• Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier alternative that provides more fiber and nutrients without compromising taste.
• Prep ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked ziti with broccoli and alfredo sauce brings comfort and Italian-inspired warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy cheese, tender pasta, and nutritious broccoli combine in one irresistible casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ziti pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 375F (190C). Cook ziti pasta following package instructions, incorporating broccoli florets during final 3 minutes of boiling.
2. Thoroughly drain pasta and broccoli mixture, ensuring no excess water remains.
3. In spacious mixing bowl, combine pasta with broccoli, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Grease baking dish and transfer pasta mixture, spreading contents uniformly across surface.
5. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over entire dish, creating an even coating.
6. Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles around edges.
7. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling sauce to set and flavors to meld.
8. Serve warm, portioning carefully to maintain structural integrity of the dish.

Notes

• Customize cooking time by checking the ziti’s golden-brown color and sauce bubbling, which indicates perfect doneness.
• Cut broccoli into smaller, uniform florets to ensure even cooking and better distribution throughout the pasta.
• Consider using whole wheat ziti or gluten-free pasta alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Replace traditional Alfredo sauce with lighter Greek yogurt or cauliflower-based sauce to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg