Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, comforting dish that offers a delicious twist on traditional baked pasta recipes. This variation replaces the classic marinara sauce with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, making the dish indulgent and satisfying. The ziti pasta, with its tube shape, is perfect for holding onto the velvety sauce, while the broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and a hint of freshness. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that is both hearty and comforting, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
2. What You’ll Need
- Ziti Pasta: The primary ingredient, ziti pasta, is a short, tube-shaped pasta that works well for baked dishes. It holds the Alfredo sauce and other ingredients nicely, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce during baking.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli adds a nutritious element to the dish. The broccoli should be lightly steamed or blanched to ensure it remains tender-crisp after baking. It provides a nice contrast to the creamy sauce and adds color and texture.
- Alfredo Sauce: The creamy base of the dish, Alfredo sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own for a more customized flavor. The sauce coats the pasta and broccoli, creating a rich and indulgent dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for topping the casserole. It melts beautifully and creates a gooey, golden crust that adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the Alfredo sauce and enhances the overall richness of the dish. It’s also used in combination with mozzarella for a crispy topping.
- Butter: Essential for making Alfredo sauce from scratch, butter adds richness and depth of flavor. It’s used to sauté the garlic and create a base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce, heavy cream provides a smooth, creamy texture that envelops the pasta and broccoli. It helps create the rich, indulgent consistency of the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the Alfredo sauce. It should be sautéed until fragrant to fully develop its flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to taste to ensure the dish is well-seasoned.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme that adds extra flavor to the Alfredo sauce and complements the other ingredients.
3. How to Make Baked Ziti Alfredo with Broccoli
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside. - Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, cooking until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. - Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. - Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. - Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. - Step 6: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
4. Serving and Storage Tips for better Baked Ziti Alfredo with Broccoli
- Serving
Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. Use a spatula to cut and serve portions, ensuring a good mix of pasta, broccoli, and cheese. - Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking, affecting the texture of the casserole. - Skipping the Steaming/Blanching Step
Ensure the broccoli is lightly steamed or blanched before adding it to the casserole. This helps it retain its texture and flavor during baking. - Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
For the best melt and flavor, use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. - Not Seasoning the Sauce Enough
Taste and adjust the seasoning of the Alfredo sauce before mixing it with the pasta and broccoli. Proper seasoning is key to a well-flavored dish. - Underbaking the Casserole
Ensure the casserole is baked long enough for the cheese to melt and the top to become golden brown. This enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Add Extra Vegetables
Feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to customize the casserole and boost its nutritional content. - Make It Ahead
Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a convenient meal option. - Experiment with Proteins
Try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or another protein to make the casserole more substantial and add variety to the dish. - Use Quality Cheese
Opt for high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor. Freshly grated cheese provides a better texture and taste compared to pre-shredded varieties. - Garnish for Flavor
Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to add a burst of color and additional flavor.
7. FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with other pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture during baking. - Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit any meat and increase the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables to make a vegetarian version of the casserole. - What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
If you don’t have Alfredo sauce, you can make a simple cheese sauce using milk, butter, and cheese, or use another creamy pasta sauce as a substitute. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble it and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
8. Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, satisfying dish that combines the comfort of baked pasta with the richness of Alfredo sauce. With its blend of ziti, broccoli, and melted cheese, this casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. By following the outlined steps and tips, you can create a flavorful, comforting dish that is sure to please family and friends alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this baked ziti recipe delivers both taste and convenience.
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Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce 🧀🥦🍝
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and delicious baked ziti casserole with tender broccoli and a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese for a perfect, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g ziti pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Boil the ziti according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti, broccoli, garlic, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For added protein, you can mix in cooked chicken or sausage.
- Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 18g
