Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

Name: Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked Ziti; 3 cups Shredded chicken; 4 cups Marinara sauce; 8 oz Ricotta cheese; ¼ cup Fresh Basil (chopped); Salt and pepper; ½ cup Parmesan; 2 cups Mozzarella (shredded)

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Home-cooked comfort tastes exactly like this – Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti with bubbling cheese and warm, fuzzy feelings.

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti featured image above focused shot

No one knows how exactly how the idea for Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti originated. But it doesn’t need an origin story when it’s the perfect dish for home cooks across the country to claim as their own. Including you.

When I was in college, any time I came home to visit my parents, my mom made sure there was a warm dish of baked ziti waiting for me. It was the home-cooked comfort I needed to counteract endless bowls of late-night ramen and fluorescent library lights. This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is sure to make anyone you cook for feel as special as I did when my mom cooked for me.

Chicken Parmesan and Baked Ziti are both amazing on their own, but when you combine them, you get something even better: a delicious, flavorful dish that comes together easily with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. Shredded chicken, marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and various cheeses baked until golden make this recipe an immediate crowd pleaser.

The cooking process is simple, yet this Italian-inspired recipe yields a large amount that’s ideal for feeding a big group or hungry family. It makes for terrific leftovers too, as long as people don’t go back for seconds (which is likely!).

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked Ziti
3 cups Shredded chicken
4 cups Marinara sauce
8 oz Ricotta cheese
¼ cup Fresh Basil chopped
Salt and pepper
½ cup Parmesan
2 cups Mozzarella shredded

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F. Then bring two quarts of water to a boil. Pour in the ziti, stir it together, and then cover and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain the pasta and pour back into the pot.

Step 2: Pour the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, fresh basil, half the Parmesan, and salt and pepper into the pot. Stir it together.

Step 3: Pour the ziti mix into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. And spread out.

Step 4: Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Top Tips For a Perfect Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

The pasta will cook slightly in the sauce in the oven, so make sure to only cook it until al dente to avoid a mushy dish later.
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to cook the chicken at home before shredding it, pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to streamline your preparation.
On the same note, pre-shredded mozzarella is definitely the way to go in this recipe. You could also opt for pre-shredded parmesan.
Hold back some of the chopped basil to garnish the dish before you serve it for a delightful burst of green.

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti featured image top shot

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, or whatever you have on hand, as long as it’s a similar size to ziti. For example, long shapes like spaghetti or linguini wouldn’t work here, nor would smaller shapes like orecchiette. But something like fusilli, penne or gemelli would do just fine.

Can I freeze my Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti?

For sure – it will keep in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Just put it in the fridge overnight to thaw, then warm it up in the oven. Pro tip: freeze it in portions for even easier reheating and enjoying.

Is Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti easier to make than lasagna?

While lasagna requires more complicated layering, this Chicken Parm Baked Ziti comes together much more easily by mixing the ingredients together in a baking dish, making it a simple, quicker option.

Should I cover the dish with tinfoil while baking?

You can cover the pan while it bakes, but remove the tin foil at least five minutes before the dish is done baking so that the cheese gets nice and golden.

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti featured image side shot

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is a rich meal on its own, so if you’re looking for something to serve on the side, you’re going to want to opt for a light, refreshing salad or veggie option. For example, this Arugula Caprese Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing would be a perfect choice to maintain Italian-inspired flavors across your whole meal. Or you can try this Kale Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crisp Croutons for another great option that makes double use of the parmesan you’d be getting for the ziti.

How to Store

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is more than the perfect special dish to serve for a family dinner or when you have company coming. It can also be a great meal prep option when you store in the fridge or freezer to be eaten throughout the week.

Cover it with tinfoil or place in an air-tight container to store in the fridge, where it will keep for 3-5 days, then reheat it in the microwave or oven. If you’re freezing it, make sure it’s covered as well, and it will keep for 3-6 months. Place it in the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating it in the oven.