I have named this recipe ‘Steph’s Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti’ as I put a lot of time and effort into researching a dish that was not only Italian, but my eldest Son Simon’s fiancée would love. When I have people over for dinner I like them to feel relaxed, at home and just to enjoy the food, so I always try to find out what sort of food they enjoy and then tailor the meal around them. We have spent so many fantastic evenings around our table with friends and family and this was right up there as being one of the best. It was my birthday dinner, so a day off from watching what I ate and I had a ball, the food was gorgeous, all mainly prepared by my wonderful Hubby due to my foot, the table was set beautifully with help from Luca and the whole evening just sparkled.
We started with a small array of nibbles, all Italian of course, then ‘Steph’s Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti’, followed by a very naughty, but very yummy, pavlova filled with fresh cream, caramel sauce and topped with crushed Crunchie’s, it went down a treat and I sent a large portion home with the lovey newly engaged couple to enjoy the following day.
So back to ‘Steph’s Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti’… Hubby said that this was a very simple dish to prepare and cook, he cooked fresh chicken on the day, but you could cheat and use pre-cooked chicken from the supermarket, their rotisserie ones are really good, but if like us you prefer to chose your own organic chicken, then feel free to do which ever suits you.
This dish I would say is more of an everyday meal, but brought to life and vamped a little with a fabulously set table, home baked focaccia, a fresh side salad, it can more than hold its own at a low key dinner party. Its rich and creamy, filling and so very yummy and comforting and I think, well I hope, that Steph enjoyed it.
We finished the evening in the way we traditionally always do, a glass of Limoncello, an espresso and there were some lovely Italian biscuits, but we forgot all about them!!! Oh well, we can always enjoy them on another occasion.
So a massive congratulations to Simon & Steph, and welcome to the family Steph. I look forward to having your Mum and Dad over for dinner soon and having an excuse to make something very naughty and chocolatey for your Mum.
Buon appetito
500g ziti (or any pasta shape)
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts)
1 batch alfredo sauce (recipe below)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup semi skimmed milk
3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Preheat oven to 190C , 375 F.
Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of well-salted boiling according to package instructions.
Drain and return the pasta to the stockpot and add chicken and alfredo sauce. Gently toss to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.
Pour half of the pasta into a greased 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of cheese. Layer the remaining half of the pasta evenly on top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and serve immediately, sprinkled with additional toppings if desired.
TO MAKE THE ALFREDO SAUCE:
Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute one minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.
Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
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