The Magic Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful baked ziti with broccoli that promises pure culinary magic.

Creamy layers meld together beneath a golden-brown crust of melted cheese.

Pasta lovers will adore this unexpected twist on classic Italian comfort food.

Rich Alfredo sauce creates a velvety blanket around tender pasta and vibrant green florets.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Nutritious broccoli adds a delightful crunch and green goodness to every forkful.

You’ll want to savor each bite of this irresistible dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

What to Serve with Broccoli Alfredo Baked Ziti

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the cheesy baked ziti.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy pasta dish and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to introduce additional vegetables and enhance the nutritional profile of the meal.

Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Options

• Veggie Delight: Replace broccoli with roasted cauliflower or spinach for a different green vegetable option.
• Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles to increase protein content and create a heartier meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure the Alfredo sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version of the dish.

FAQs

• Why is blanching broccoli for 2 minutes recommended?

Blanching helps retain the bright green color, maintains crisp texture, and stops the cooking process to prevent overcooking, ensuring the broccoli remains tender-crisp and nutritious.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture that could make the ziti watery.

• What type of Alfredo sauce works best for this recipe?

Homemade or store-bought creamy Alfredo sauce both work well. Choose a high-quality sauce with rich, smooth consistency for the best flavor and texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat ziti, add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, opt for low-fat Alfredo sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese to create a lighter version of the recipe.

Reasons to Try Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo

• Sneak in nutritious broccoli into a creamy, cheesy pasta that even picky eaters will love, making mealtime a breeze.
• Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this one-pan wonder satisfies everyone's comfort food cravings.
• Transform simple ingredients into a delicious, hearty dish that comes together quickly and can be easily customized with additional vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients for Broccoli Alfredo Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a slight crunch to the baked ziti.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that brings rich flavor and smooth texture to the pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, salty cheese that adds depth and a sharp flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Aromatic combination that provides a fragrant and flavorful base for sautéing.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herb garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta And Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add ziti and cook according to package directions.

During the final two minutes of pasta cooking, drop in broccoli florets.

Drain pasta and broccoli together in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature.

Add finely chopped garlic and cook until it releases a delightful fragrant aroma, which takes approximately one minute.

Remove from heat immediately.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cooked ziti
• Tender broccoli
• Sautéed garlic
• Smooth Alfredo sauce

Stir ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Transfer entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Ensure complete and uniform coverage of the pasta mixture.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place baking dish inside and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for bubbling cheese and beautiful golden-brown coloration.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top.

Serve immediately while warm and deliciously inviting.

Pro Tricks for Broccoli Alfredo Baked Ziti

• Chop broccoli into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking and easy mixing with pasta.
• Cook ziti al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, maintaining a perfect texture and preventing overcooking.
• Gently toast garlic in olive oil to release its rich, nutty essence and enhance the overall dish's aromatic profile.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing cheese to set and create a creamy, luscious texture.
• Substitute Alfredo sauce with cashew cream or plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese for a delicious lactose-free version.

Save and Reheat Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread ziti in oven-safe dish, add splash of milk or water to prevent dryness. Cover with foil, bake 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy baked ziti with broccoli and alfredo sauce brings comfort and Italian-inspired goodness to dinner tables. Rich pasta layers mingle with tender broccoli and smooth alfredo, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) ziti pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package timing, introducing broccoli florets during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and vegetables, reserving them for subsequent assembly.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 60 seconds. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
3. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine cooked ziti, tender broccoli, sautéed garlic, and creamy Alfredo sauce. Thoroughly integrate ingredients, ensuring even distribution of sauce and vegetables.
4. Transfer the mixture into a pre-greased baking dish, creating an even layer that allows for consistent heating and optimal cheese melting.
5. Generously distribute shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the pasta surface, creating a complete cheese coverage.
6. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Position baking dish in center rack and cook for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for enhanced visual appeal and herbal essence. Serve immediately while warmth and cheese remain inviting.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Saute garlic in olive oil briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich base for the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become creamy, preventing runny texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute regular Alfredo sauce with lighter versions like cashew cream or Greek yogurt-based sauce for lower-calorie option, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg