Description
This Baked Ziti with Chicken is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory tomato sauce. Topped with layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this baked dish delivers a satisfying bite with every forkful. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe brings warmth to the table and guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara or homemade tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add half of the pasta, followed by half of the chicken mixture.
- Layer another 1 cup of marinara sauce, then repeat with the remaining pasta and chicken mixture.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Garnish & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes if desired
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to compensate for the cold temperature.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze assembled (unbaked) ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Substitutions: Swap chicken for ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage for a different flavor. Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese into the sauce for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked ziti with chicken, cheesy baked pasta, easy Italian dinner, chicken pasta bake, comfort food recipes