Description
This chicken baked ziti is a hearty, comforting pasta casserole featuring tender chicken breast pieces, zesty marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese. This classic Italian-American comfort food combines protein-rich poultry with al dente ziti or penne pasta to create a filling, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. By searing the chicken first and using high-quality cheeses, you achieve a restaurant-quality texture that is both savory and comforting.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti or penne pasta
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta for two minutes less than package instructions.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the cubed chicken until fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine the cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese in the large bowl and stir to combine.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Notes
Use bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adherence. Shred your own mozzarella from a block for superior melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg