Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti
- 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
about 2 to 3 cups
- 1 jar marinara sauce
25 ounce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- optional garnishes: extra Parmesan
fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- 1
Prep oven and baking dish. Heat oven to 375°F. Mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta in a large stockpot of generously-salted boiling water until it is just shy of al dente.
- 3
Mix everything together. Drain and return pasta to the stockpot. Add chicken and marinara sauce and gently toss until combined.
- 4
Layer. Pour half of the pasta into the baking dish and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and all of the basil. Layer on the remaining pasta, followed by 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- 5
Bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Transfer the pan to a wire baking rack and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- 6
Serve. Serve warm, sprinkled with any extra garnishes that you would like. Enjoy!
Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
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Based on 24 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together without fuss? This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti delivers all the beloved flavors of chicken parm in an easy, satisfying casserole. It's the perfect dish for when you need a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort.
The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti lies in its remarkable simplicity and its incredibly quick preparation. With just six basic ingredients, it transforms pantry staples into a deeply flavorful dish that tastes both comforting and absolutely delicious, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Prepare for a delightful interplay of textures and tastes with this inviting baked ziti. You'll enjoy tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, savory marinara sauce, generously layered with succulent shredded chicken. Each forkful is a warm embrace of gooey, melted mozzarella and the sharp, nutty finish of freshly-grated Parmesan, all brightened by fragrant chopped fresh basil. It’s a classic combination of flavors that feels both familiar and indulgent.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. You can easily adjust the amounts of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to achieve your desired level of cheesiness. For a deeper herby note, don't hesitate to increase the amount of fresh basil, or use it generously as an optional garnish alongside extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
This comforting casserole is ideal for a cozy family dinner or as a satisfying dish to bring to a casual gathering. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to complete a wonderfully hearty meal.