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Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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