Baked Chicken Ziti

Baked Chicken Ziti is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This simple recipe features soft pasta, succulent chicken, rich cheese, and a delicious marinara sauce that will leave everyone wanting more.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8 people

Author: Siddhanath Metkari

Tools for this recipe:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs

Baked Chicken Ziti Recipe Video:

Credit: The Cooking Foodie

Ingredients

For the Ziti:

1. 1 lb ziti pasta
2. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
3. 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
4. 1 cup ricotta cheese
5. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
6. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 tbsp olive oil
9. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10. 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11. Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

1. Fresh basil leaves, chopped
2. Parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the ziti pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, according to the directions on the package. After that, drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a frying pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half a cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, shredded chicken, and sautéed garlic. Gently mix to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.

Step 6: Layer the Dish

Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top, followed by the addition of the remaining pasta mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the surface.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish in aluminum foil and put it in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted with a bubbly texture.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the baked ziti to sit for 5 minutes before you serve it. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Customization Tips

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Extra Creaminess: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the marinara sauce.
• Protein Boost: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with Italian sausage or ground turkey.
• Cheese Lovers: Add more mozzarella or even a layer of provolone slices on top.

Perfect Pairings

• Salads: Serve with a Caesar salad or a fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad.
• Sides: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli make excellent companions.
• Drinks: Pair with a glass of Chianti, a crisp sparkling water, or your favorite lemonade.

This Baked Chicken Ziti is hearty, cheesy, and full of Italian-inspired flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal preps, weeknight dinners, or potluck gatherings. Give it a go today, and you might just discover a new favorite for the whole family.

Notes:

• Pair it with a fresh salad or your choice of vegetable side.
• Feel free to substitute Italian sausage for the chicken if that’s your preference.
• You can prepare this meal ahead of time: Once you’ve added the cheese and covered it with foil, store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Keep in mind that the baking time will be slightly longer than 20 minutes since the dish will be cold. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then remove the foil and broil for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Health Benefits of Baked Chicken Ziti:

1. High in Protein: Shredded chicken and cheese provide essential protein for muscle repair and growth.
2. Energy Boost: Ziti pasta offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
3. Bone Health: The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses are rich in calcium, supporting strong bones.
4. Rich in Antioxidants: Marinara sauce made from tomatoes is packed with lycopene, which promotes heart health.
5. Supports Immunity: Garlic contains compounds that boost the immune system.
6. Digestive Health: Whole-grain pasta (if used) and Italian seasoning contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants.
7. Weight Management: Balanced protein, carbs, and fats make this dish filling and satisfying.
8. Heart Health: Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
9. Vitamin Boost: Fresh basil and parsley add vitamins A, C, and K for overall health.
10. Customizable Nutrition: Easily adjust ingredients to include more vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover baked chicken ziti in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions:

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warm.

Reuse Ideas:

• Ziti Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use leftovers as a filling for hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Cheesy Casserole: Add extra cheese and bake in smaller ramekins for individual servings.
• Ziti Soup: Mix with chicken broth and diced vegetables to create a hearty soup.
• Pasta Bake Wraps: Spoon into tortillas or flatbreads for a portable meal.

FAQ’s

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