Description
This hearty Chicken Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole that brings together tender diced chicken, perfectly al dente ziti noodles, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Every bite is packed with savory flavor, making it a reliable staple for your family dinner rotation.
Ingredients
16 oz Ziti pasta
1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breast
24 oz Marinara sauce
3 cups Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
0.5 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Dried oregano
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente, about two minutes less than package instructions.
Drain the pasta and place it in a large mixing bowl.
Dice chicken breasts into one-inch cubes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add minced garlic and oregano to the chicken, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
Stir the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and cooked chicken into the bowl with the ziti.
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Notes
Substitute ziti with penne if you prefer. Ensure pasta is cooked al dente so it does not become mushy during baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg