Chicken Baked Ziti unfolds a cozy Sunday afternoon in every cheesy bite, weaving tender chunks of seasoned chicken with tubes of al dente pasta. Imagine a bubbling blanket of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara kissed with a splash of rich chicken broth, and a golden mozzarella crown that stretches with each forkful. Fresh basil and oregano awaken your senses while garlic and a hint of smoked paprika whisper warmth. This playful, heartwarming dish invites friends and family to gather round, pass plates, and share laughter as the aroma draws you close. Ready for comfort with a wink?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Baked Ziti
- It’s a comforting, cheesy delight that warms your soul.
- Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
- Loaded with tender chicken and zesty marinara for a flavor explosion.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your ziti bakes perfectly!
- Step 2: Cook the ziti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 6: Once baked, let the Chicken Baked Ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients for your Chicken Baked Ziti!
- 12 oz ziti pasta – your choice of pasta for a hearty base
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – leftover or rotisserie chicken works great
- 2 cups marinara sauce – for that rich, comforting flavor
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – adds creaminess to the mix
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that melty, cheesy goodness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – a sprinkle of cheesy bite
- 1 tbsp olive oil – to keep things cooking smoothly
- 1 tsp garlic powder – adds extra flavor
- 1 tsp dried basil – for a touch of Italian essence
- salt and pepper to taste – season to your preference
How to Make Chicken Baked Ziti
This delightful Chicken Baked Ziti is perfect for a cozy dinner! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your ziti bakes perfectly!
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Cook the ziti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once baked, let the Chicken Baked Ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes resting |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm and bubbly from the oven! |
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Baked Ziti
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Mix in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve this Chicken Baked Ziti
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch.
- Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Offer a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
- Top with extra mozzarella and broil for a bubbly finish.
- Enjoy with a refreshing sparkling water or homemade lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Chicken Baked Ziti for later enjoyment:
Storing Chicken Baked Ziti Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Chicken Baked Ziti
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Chicken Baked Ziti
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you put raw chicken into a pasta bake?
While it’s technically possible to put raw chicken into a pasta bake, it’s not recommended. Raw chicken needs to be cooked thoroughly to ensure food safety. Instead, consider using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to make your Chicken Baked Ziti both safe and delicious!
2. Can you put chicken in ziti?
Absolutely! Chicken is a fantastic addition to ziti. It adds protein and flavor, making the dish heartier. You can use grilled, baked, or even shredded chicken to enhance your Chicken Baked Ziti. Just mix it in with the pasta and sauce for a delightful meal!
3. What sauce is best for baked ziti?
The best sauce for baked ziti is typically a marinara or a rich tomato sauce. You can also use a creamy alfredo sauce for a different twist. For Chicken Baked Ziti, a combination of marinara and a bit of cream can create a deliciously balanced flavor that complements the chicken perfectly!
4. What is the difference between baked ziti and baked penne?
The main difference between baked ziti and baked penne is the type of pasta used. Baked ziti is made with ziti pasta, which is smooth and tubular, while baked penne uses penne pasta, which has ridges. Both are delicious and can be used interchangeably in recipes, but the texture and sauce adherence may vary slightly!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table with your loved ones, savor the warmth and comfort of this Chicken Baked Ziti. It’s a simple yet rewarding dish that brings everyone together, just like those cozy family dinners of yesteryear. So grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!