Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti combines all the comfort of a classic chicken parmesan with the heartiness of baked pasta. This dish layers tender chicken, ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for a meal that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this baked casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

zitichicken breast (cooked and chopped or shredded)marinara saucemozzarella cheeseparmesan cheesegarliconionolive oildried oreganofresh basil (optional)eggsaltpepperbreadcrumbs (optional for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Stir in the marinara sauce and dried oregano, simmering for 5–10 minutes.

Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken-sauce mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese.

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch, if desired.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti if preferred.

Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Top with fresh mozzarella slices for an elevated presentation.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely, use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.

Is this dish good for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking.

Can I make it without breadcrumbs?

Yes, the topping is optional and the dish will still be delicious without it.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken works great.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild in flavor and popular with kids.

What cheese melts best in this recipe?

Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for even melting.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Does the pasta need to be fully cooked before baking?

No, just cook it to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave or oven both work well, but oven reheating retains better texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings together the best parts of Italian comfort food in one pan. With easy prep and hearty ingredients, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a dependable favorite that never disappoints.

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