Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Few things feel as soul-satisfying as a big pan of Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce bubbling hot from the oven. This comforting casserole marries tender pasta and bright green broccoli with a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce, all crowned with golden, melty cheese. Whether you’re chasing an easy weeknight dinner or want something everyone at the table will celebrate, this baked pasta dish delivers serious flavor without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce is how effortlessly you can pull it together with a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients. Each one has its own simple job to do, whether it’s adding creaminess, sharpness, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip any of them:

• Ziti pasta (300g): The sturdy tubes hold sauce like a dream and bake up beautifully tender in the oven.
• Broccoli florets (2 cups): Provides color, flavor, and a lively crunch that balances all that creamy richness.
• Alfredo sauce (2 cups): This velvety sauce is the backbone of our dish—use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade batch for extra love.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey strings on top for peak cheesy goodness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, nutty punch that’s irresistible in baked pastas.
• Minced garlic (2 cloves): Just a little garlic, sautéed in olive oil, perfumes the whole dish and deepens the flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For gently cooking the garlic and adding a hint of richness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—you’ll want just enough to bring everything into balance.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A fresh herb sprinkle on top adds brightness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your ziti. Follow the package instructions, but don’t walk away—when there’s just two minutes left on the timer, toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook right alongside the pasta. This trick cooks the broccoli until it’s perfectly crisp-tender and keeps the color vibrant. Drain it all together and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic

In a small skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it get warm and glistening. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Once it fills your kitchen with that garlicky aroma, remove from heat immediately—burnt garlic is nobody’s friend!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the drained ziti and broccoli with the sautéed garlic. Pour in all the Alfredo sauce, and give everything a good stir to coat every piece of pasta and broccoli with that creamy blanket. Transfer this mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, and smooth it out so it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Top It Off

Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. This duo creates a bubbly, golden brown, and slightly stretchy cheese layer that’s straight out of your comfort food dreams.

Step 5: Bake

Now, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slide your assembled casserole onto the center rack and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and delicately browned on top—don’t be afraid to let that cheese get a tiny bit crisp at the edges for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Let the Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce cool for just a few minutes, so everything sets up slightly. Finish it with a dusting of fresh basil or parsley if you want that herby lift, then serve while it’s cozy and warm.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley brings a burst of color and a gentle herbal note that rivals even restaurant versions of Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce. Extra shavings of Parmesan are always welcome—never underestimate the power of a cheese pile.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and let your main attraction shine! A crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables are classic companions for Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce. And don’t forget a loaf of good bread—ideal for mopping up every last drop of creamy Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Try baking individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for a dinner party twist, or serve Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce in a large cast iron skillet for rustic, family-style appeal. For extra wow, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top during the last few minutes of baking to add a crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any uneaten Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making leftovers just as tempting as the first night.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on dinner? Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer at 180°C (350°F), adding extra time as needed, until it’s hot and bubbling throughout.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pasta with foil and bake in a 175°C (350°F) oven until it’s heated through—this helps the cheese melt again without drying out the sauce. For single servings, the microwave does the trick, just be sure to stir once or twice for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just be sure your Alfredo sauce doesn’t contain chicken broth or other meat products—most store-bought varieties are vegetarian-friendly, and homemade versions let you control every ingredient.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

No need to hunt for ziti if you don’t have it! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work beautifully, thanks to their sturdy shapes and ability to hold sauce. Choose whatever you have on hand.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or even shrimp can be stirred in with the pasta before baking. Just make sure your add-ins are cooked through since the casserole’s oven time is mainly for melting cheese and heating everything through.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Simply thaw and drain your broccoli before adding it to the boiling pasta water for that final couple minutes. It’s a handy shortcut if you don’t have fresh broccoli on hand.

What’s the best way to make homemade Alfredo sauce?

Homemade Alfredo sauce comes together in minutes: melt 1/2 cup butter with 2 cups cream in a saucepan, add a couple cloves of garlic, and whisk in a cup of freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s wonderfully rich, silky, and makes Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce even more special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about bringing Baked Ziti with Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce to the table—it’s like a hug in casserole form. Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own with custom touches, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself returning to whenever you crave comfort food at its tastiest. Give it a try and make dinner unforgettable!

Print