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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the mixture into a pre-greased baking dish, creating an even layer that allows for consistent heating and optimal cheese melting.
- Generously distribute shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the pasta surface, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- 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.
- 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