Chicken and Ziti Bake Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken and Ziti Bake Recipe, a hearty, cheesy masterpiece that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender bites of seasoned chicken, al dente ziti pasta, and a creamy marinara sauce enriched with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this baked pasta dish is a flavorful marvel. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, every bite is bursting with savory goodness. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this baked ziti is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-follow recipe combines minimal prep time with maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for satisfying weeknight meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 2 pcs Chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 pcs Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and black pepper if needed.
Add the cooked ziti and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4481 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.6 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.1 g | 506% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 782 mg | 261% | |
| Sodium | 6313 mg | 274% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 375.3 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.3 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.0 g | ||
| Protein | 250.1 g | 500% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2693 mg | 207% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 297 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
