This Baked Ziti with Chicken is a cozy, family-friendly pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve guests, with classic Italian-inspired flavors baked into every bite. Pair it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete comfort-food dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick spray or extra olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil and set aside.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine with the chicken, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, chicken and marinara mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in sauce and cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves, if using, then scoop into portions and serve warm.
Variation
- Swap the chicken for mild or spicy Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) for a more traditional baked ziti flavor.
- Make it veggie-packed by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the chicken and sauce mixture before combining with the pasta.
- Turn it into a lighter version by using whole-wheat pasta, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and reducing the cheese topping slightly.
Cooking Notes
- Salt the pasta water generously this is your first chance to season the dish from the inside out.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- For extra creaminess, you can stir a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the warm sauce before mixing with the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Pair with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce and cheesy bits.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete, colorful plate.
Tips
- Dice the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly in the skillet.
- Shred your own mozzarella from a block if possible; it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- To freeze, assemble the ziti but do not bake; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake, adding extra time as needed.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the covered baking time. - Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or most short, tube-shaped pastas will work well in place of ziti. - How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. - Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes. Skip cooking the chicken in the skillet and stir shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the warm marinara sauce before combining with the pasta.
Conclusion
This Baked Ziti with Chicken is everything you want in a comfort-food dinner: creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, yet easy enough for any busy weeknight. It comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes into a golden, bubbly casserole that feeds a crowd. Serve it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Print
Baked Ziti with Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Regular
Description
This Baked Ziti with Chicken is a cozy, family-friendly pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve guests, with classic Italian-inspired flavors baked into every bite. Pair it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete comfort-food dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick spray or extra olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil and set aside.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine with the chicken, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, chicken and marinara mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in sauce and cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves, if using, then scoop into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente; it will soften more in the oven, so avoid overcooking it.
- Let the baked ziti rest before serving to help it hold together when scooped.
- You can assemble this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake just before serving (add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if chilled).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 780 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 18 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
- Protein: 30 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 85 mg (approx.)
Keywords: baked ziti with chicken, chicken baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, easy chicken casserole, weeknight pasta