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Baked Ziti with Chicken

  • Author: Avery
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. 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.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly.
  12. 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

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/baked-ziti-with-chicken/