Chicken Baked Ziti
A comforting baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, marinara, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried ziti pasta (or similar shaped pasta such as rigatoni or penne)
Cooked Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Fresh Herbs and Spices
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, or as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x9-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and return to pot. Add chicken, marinara, oregano, red pepper flakes, and stir.
- Spread half the pasta mixture into the dish. Top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
- Add remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and refrigerate if making ahead.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden. Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
For best results, let the casserole come to room temperature before baking if refrigerated.