Comfort food fans will adore this hearty baked ziti with chicken, where tender pieces of seasoned chicken meld perfectly with ziti pasta and a rich marinara sauce. The bubbling layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan create an irresistible golden crust, making it an ideal main dish for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers.
This dish combines simplicity with flavor, delivering a satisfying meal that is both nourishing and indulgent. The balanced blend of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and gooey cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
- Combines tender chicken with cheesy pasta in one delicious, baked dish.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or group.
- Customizable with your choice of veggies and sauces.
Ingredients
- Ziti or Penne Pasta: 350–400 g (12–14 oz) of tube-shaped pasta to hold sauce and cheese beautifully in every bite.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing chicken and aromatics, adding subtle fruity flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 450 g (1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all components.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon to infuse the chicken with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped to add sweetness and depth during sautéing.
- Garlic Cloves: 3–4 minced for fragrant and robust garlic aroma.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: 1 jar (~680 g / 24 oz) provides a tangy tomato base packed with herbs.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 to 1½ cups shredded for creamy, melty topping that browns beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated to add salty, nutty flavor and texture contrast.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For vibrant herbal garnish that brightens the final presentation.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
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Set your oven to 180 °C (350 °F) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. This prevents mushiness during baking. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Seasoned Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, allowing the spices to build flavor. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside while keeping the pan hot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3–4 minutes, releasing natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning to maintain silky taste.
- Simmer Chicken with Sauce
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Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir well to combine all ingredients. Allow the sauce and chicken to meld for 3–5 minutes, so the flavors deepen and coat the pieces evenly.
- Mix Pasta with Chicken Sauce
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Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl or directly into your baking dish. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the pasta, stirring gently to ensure each pasta piece is coated thoroughly. This layering is key for consistent flavor in every serving.
- Top with Cheese and Bake
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Spread shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly atop the pasta mixture. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn a delightful golden brown, creating a flavorful crust and creamy underneath.
- Rest and Garnish Before Serving
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Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5 minutes out of the oven to set and slightly firm up, making it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish that contrasts the rich cheese and sauce.
- Overcooking pasta before baking can lead to mushy texture; aim for al dente.
- Using fresh herbs to garnish boosts aroma and adds a vibrant pop to visual appeal.
- Leftover baked ziti reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave without losing flavor.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating gently.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance flavors and add crunch. A light red wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich cheesy flavors.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting quality compared to pre-grated cheese.
- For even cooking, dice chicken into uniform pieces ensuring consistent browning and juiciness.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
FAQs
- Can I use other meats besides chicken?
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Yes, ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey can be substituted to create variations on this dish with different protein textures and flavors.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
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Absolutely. Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or additional vegetables for a meatless yet satisfying baked pasta.
- How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
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Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese during the last 5-10 minutes.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time if dish is cold from the fridge.
- What type of pasta works best?
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Ziti or penne are preferred because their hollow shapes catch sauce and cheese, enhancing each bite.
- Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?
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The baked dish freezes well; portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What are good side dishes for this meal?
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Serve with Caesar salad, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread to complement the rich baked pasta.
Baked Ziti with Chicken
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 350°F
- 1 large skillet
- 1 baking dish
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 12 –14 oz ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
- 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- In a large bowl or baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the chicken sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use provolone cheese with mozzarella for richer flavor.
- Stir spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Swap marinara for Alfredo or vodka sauce for creamy variants.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
