Chicken Alfredo Ziti

CHICKEN BAKED ZITI INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces ziti (or any pasta shape)
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts)
• 1 batch alfredo sauce (see below)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (I used 2% low fat)
• (optional toppings: additional shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley)

ALFREDO SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup of milk
• 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

DIRECTIONS:TO MAKE THE CHICKEN BAKED ZITI:
TO MAKE THE ALFREDO SAUCE:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for one minute (stirring occasionally), until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.
2. Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Add in the milk, and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

TO MAKE THE BAKED ZITI 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of well-salted boiling according to package instructions. Drain. Return pasta to the stockpot and add chicken and alfredo sauce. Gently toss to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Pour half of the pasta into a greased 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.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and serve immediately! ENJOY!!!!