Description
A comforting, cheesy casserole that combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the hearty satisfaction of baked ziti pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- 1 egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat 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. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in marinara sauce and dried oregano. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken-sauce mixture, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan cheese.
- Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for more vegetables.
- Penne or rigatoni can substitute for ziti.
- Red pepper flakes can add heat to the sauce.
- Top with fresh mozzarella slices for an upscale touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg