A comforting, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with ziti pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 6servings
Equipment
Large Pot
Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1poundBoneless, Skinless Chicken BreastCut into bite-sized pieces
3cupsZiti PastaCooked al dente
3cupsMarinara SauceChoose a rich and flavorful sauce
2cupsShredded Mozzarella CheeseFor topping
0.5cupGrated Parmesan CheeseFor added flavor
1teaspoonItalian SeasoningFor seasoning
2tablespoonsOlive OilFor sautéing chicken
to tasteSalt and PepperFor seasoning
as neededFresh BasilFor garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, sautéed chicken, and marinara sauce. Stir until well coated.
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.