Chicken Ziti Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Ziti Bake, a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Tender ziti pasta is combined with juicy, seasoned chicken, a flavorful marinara sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Topped with a melty duo of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of under an hour, it’s a quick and satisfying recipe that serves six. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor, and serve this irresistible chicken pasta bake straight from the oven for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for fans of baked pasta casseroles, cheesy comfort food, and hearty chicken dinners!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, chicken marinara mixture, 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Ziti Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
429 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.7 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 909 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 39.8 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 370 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 252 mg | 5% | |
*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.
