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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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
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 5
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 8
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
Step 9
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Step 11
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Ziti Bake!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1828.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3307.0 |
| Total Fat 122.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 46.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 621.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5608.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 290.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.7g | |
| Protein 252.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 42.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2251.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1499.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories