Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce is a delightful, comfort food dish that everyone will enjoy. This rich and creamy pasta dish combines ziti pasta, fresh broccoli, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, creating a wonderful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, you can bring a touch of Italian cuisine to your table, making it an essential recipe to try.
If you’re a fan of cheese-laden pasta dishes, this creamy baked ziti will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s not just about the taste; the combination of tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and silky Alfredo sauce creates a culinary experience that satisfies both the palate and the soul. This hearty dish is also versatile; you can customize it by adding your choice of proteins or veggies.
Get ready to dive into this amazing recipe that will surely impress your loved ones. You’ll find everything you need to know about making Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce, including preparation tips, cooking instructions, and serving suggestions. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce offers numerous reasons to fall in love with this dish. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making dinner a breeze. Here are several reasons why you’ll be eager to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:
1. Comfort Food: The creaminess of the Alfredo sauce combined with tender ziti makes this dish incredibly comforting.
2. Simple Ingredients: Many ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without extensive shopping.
3. Quick Prep Time: This recipe requires minimal prep time, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
4. Versatile Dish: Feel free to mix in chicken, mushrooms, or other vegetables, adapting it to your family’s preferences.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: A rich, creamy meal that appeals to people of all ages, making it great for family gatherings.
6. Cheesy Goodness: It features multiple cheese varieties, offering a delightful and gooey texture that satisfies cheese lovers.
With these enticing factors, you can see why Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce is an amazing dish worth preparing!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Before you dive into cooking, it’s helpful to know how much time you’ll need. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation and cooking time for Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce:
– Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
– Total Time: Roughly 50 minutes
This quick turnaround allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

– 12 ounces ziti pasta
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a creamy, delicious Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce is simple. Follow these steps for a flawless dish:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Blanch the Broccoli: In the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets into the boiling water. Drain both the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
4. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serving Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce can be as delightful as making it. Here are some suggestions to enhance your presentation and flavor experience:
1. Garnish: Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

2. Pair with Sides: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the meal.
3. Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light white wine or sparkling water.
4. Serving Size: Use a large spoon to serve generous helpings, ensuring each dish includes pasta, broccoli, and a sprinkle of cheese.
5. Make it Exciting: For an extra flavor burst, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
By following these serving tips, you’ll create a memorable dining experience with your Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce that everyone will rave about!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Broccoli: For a pop of flavor and nutrition, always choose fresh broccoli over frozen. It retains its texture better in the dish.
– Layer the Cheese: For added cheesiness, consider layering the cheeses with the pasta mix rather than just sprinkling it on top.
– Adjust Creaminess: Modify the amount of Alfredo sauce to suit your preference. If you like a creamier dish, feel free to add more sauce.
– Add Garlic Flavor: Incorporate fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor. Sauté it briefly in olive oil before mixing it with the sauce for depth.

Recipe Variation

There are numerous ways to customize your Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
1. Protein Boost: Consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage for increased protein and heartiness.
2. Vegetable Medley: Throw in an assortment of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish should remain fresh for 3-4 days.
– Freezing: To freeze, allow the ziti to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

To successfully prepare Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce, you will need a few practical kitchen items:
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Colander for draining
– Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
– 9×13 inch baking dish for baking
– Aluminum foil for covering the dish if necessary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative that works nicely in this recipe.
What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
You can create a quick homemade version using butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ziti up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just ensure the Alfredo sauce is vegetarian and skip any added meat.

Conclusion

Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a comforting, cheesy delight that combines goodness with indulgence. It’s easy to customize, making it a perfect choice for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Prepare it once, and you’ll want it on the menu regularly. Enjoy every delectable bite!

Print