67+ Chicken Ziti Recipes

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Introduction: Chicken Ziti Casserole A Comfort Food Classic Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or potlucks? Look no further than a delicious Chicken Ziti Casserole! This recipe walks you through creating a comforting and flavorful dish, layering pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese for a truly unforgettable experience. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need Gather your ingredients. Here's a list to help you stay organized:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite homemade sauce)
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside. It's crucial to cook the pasta "al dente" (firm to the bite) because it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce If you haven't already, cook and shred or dice your chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the marinara sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling In a separate medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. This cheese mixture provides a creamy and flavorful base for the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the chicken and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients Add half of the cooked ziti to the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the sauce layer. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, distributing it in dollops across the surface. Spread another layer of the chicken and marinara sauce mixture over the ricotta cheese.

Step 6: Repeat Layers Add the remaining ziti pasta to the baking dish. Spoon the remaining ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Pour the remaining chicken and marinara sauce mixture over the ricotta cheese.

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Ziti Casserole! Congratulations! You've created a delicious and satisfying Chicken Ziti Casserole. This recipe is easily customizable – feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends!

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