Ingredients
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Creating your own Creamy Baked Ziti with Broccoli & Alfredo Sauce can be easy and enjoyable—just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Blanch Broccoli: In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and shock in ice water to keep them bright green. Set aside.
4. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for about 3–4 minutes.
6. Cheese It Up: Gradually add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Reserve some mozzarella for topping.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
9. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Following these steps will ensure a delightful, creamy goodness in every serving. You’re just moments away from a mouthwatering dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 20g