Baked ziti with chicken is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor something my family asks for almost weekly. The first time I made it, I just wanted to use up some leftover cooked chicken and half a box of pasta. What came out of the oven that night became an instant favorite. Now it’s one of my easiest go-to dinners, perfect for busy weeknights or casual Sunday meals. If you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Baked Ziti with Chicken: A Sunday Story Worth Sharing
It was one of those crisp fall Sundays, the kind that practically begs for a warm, cheesy dinner. My teenagers had just come in from a chilly soccer practice, everyone was hungry, and I didn’t feel like reinventing the wheel. I had chicken breasts defrosting, a half-box of ziti, and a jar of my grandmother’s homemade marinara in the pantry. That’s when the idea struck: baked ziti with chicken.
I quickly sautéed the chicken with some garlic and onions until golden, stirred in that rich tomato sauce, then layered everything with creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a dusting of sharp parmesan. Into the oven it went, and an hour later, the smell had everyone hovering in the kitchen. That night, the dish disappeared before I could even snap a picture.
Since then, this has been a recipe on repeat. Baked ziti with chicken is cozy, easy to prep, and packed with the kind of flavors that only get better the next day. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even freezing for later. Plus, it’s flexible swap cheeses, toss in extra veggies, or even change the pasta shape.
Simple Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Chicken That Never Fail
Choosing the Right Chicken
For the best baked ziti with chicken, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, but thighs add a bit more flavor. I like to dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets a little bit of meat. Be sure to season it well salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little Italian seasoning go a long way. Sauté the chicken until it’s just cooked through and golden. Don’t add raw chicken straight to the dish. It won’t cook evenly and can make your sauce watery or greasy.
If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works too. Just shred it up and toss it in with your sauce and pasta. It saves time and still gives great results.
Pasta, Sauce & Cheese – The Trio That Makes the Magic
Ziti pasta is the traditional choice here, but penne or rigatoni will also do the job. Cook the pasta just until al dente it’ll continue cooking in the oven, and no one wants mushy noodles. For the sauce, a good quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce is key. I sometimes stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a deeper flavor or a splash of cream to make it a little richer.
Now, the cheese. Ricotta gives you that creamy layer, mozzarella melts beautifully, and parmesan adds that sharp, salty bite on top. If you love it extra cheesy (who doesn’t?), layer the cheese throughout instead of just on top. And don’t skip that final broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Chicken the Right Way
Cook the Chicken and Pasta First
Start by cooking your ziti pasta in well-salted boiling water. Stop when it’s al dente it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced chicken, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. If you’re using already cooked or rotisserie chicken, just warm it through with the seasonings to infuse some flavor.
Once the chicken’s ready, add the marinara sauce and tomato paste (if using) straight into the skillet. Stir it all together and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend. This base sauce is key to making the best baked ziti with chicken.
Layer It Up and Bake Until Bubbling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Now comes the fun part layering! Mix the cooked pasta with about ⅔ of the sauce mixture in a large bowl. In the baking dish, start with a layer of saucy pasta, then spoon in dollops of ricotta. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and a bit of parmesan over that. Add another layer of pasta, sauce, ricotta, and cheese. Finish with any remaining sauce and top with the last bit of mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Want that irresistible crisp top? Switch to broil for the last 2 minutes just watch it closely.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Baked ziti with chicken tastes even better when it’s had a minute to settle. Add a sprinkle of basil or parsley, and serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.
Twists on Baked Ziti with Chicken That Keep Things Fresh
Veggies, Spice, and Everything Nice
One of the best things about baked ziti with chicken is how easy it is to change it up. Want to make it a little healthier? Add in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These mix in beautifully with the sauce and cheese and make the dish feel a little more balanced. If your family loves color, try tossing in chopped bell peppers or roasted broccoli for extra crunch and flavor.
Feeling bold? Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne. A dash of hot sauce in the marinara gives the whole dish a subtle kick without overpowering the cheesy goodness. You can even swap in spicy chicken sausage for half the chicken if you want a bigger flavor punch.
Low-Carb or Gluten-Free? No Problem
If you’re eating gluten-free or cutting back on carbs, there are still ways to enjoy baked ziti with chicken. Looking for a lighter version? Try this baked ziti recipe no meat it’s just as rich and comforting without the chicken.
For a lower-carb twist, replace traditional pasta with roasted zucchini slices or spaghetti squash. It’s a lighter version that still brings all the cozy, baked-in flavors to the table. You can also swap ricotta with cottage cheese if you’re watching dairy or want to change up the texture.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Chicken Like a Pro
Pair It With Simple Sides
Baked ziti with chicken is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a well-rounded meal. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while garlic bread or a crusty loaf is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, roasted vegetables or steamed green beans are great on the side.
For drinks, a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely. If you’re serving this for guests, you could set up a simple pasta night with salad, ziti, and a dessert like tiramisu or brownies to finish.
Make the Most of Leftovers
One of the perks of baked ziti with chicken is how well it holds up. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Want to freeze it? No problem. Assemble the dish fully but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F, covered, for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and hot.
You can also freeze individual portions great for lunches or solo dinners. Just be sure to label with the date so you know when it’s time to use it up.
FaQs About Baked Ziti with Chicken
Do you cook chicken before adding to pasta bake?
Yes, you should always cook the chicken before adding it to a pasta bake. Raw chicken won’t fully cook inside the casserole, and it can release extra liquid that makes the dish watery. Sautéing it first also adds more flavor to the entire dish.
What is baked chicken ziti?
Baked chicken ziti is a layered pasta dish made with cooked ziti noodles, seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. It’s baked in the oven until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a popular comfort food known for its rich, cheesy texture and hearty flavor.
What meat goes with baked ziti for dinner?
While chicken is a great choice, baked ziti can also be made with ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded turkey. For a meat lover’s version, you can mix a few types together. Just make sure all meat is cooked before adding it to the bake.
Can you cook raw chicken and pasta together?
It’s not recommended to cook raw chicken and pasta together in the same dish. The chicken needs to be fully cooked to ensure it’s safe to eat, and baking it raw can lead to uneven cooking or food safety concerns. Always cook the chicken separately first.
Conclusion
There’s just something timeless about a dish like baked ziti with chicken. It’s easy to prep, filled with comfort, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking it fresh for dinner tonight or freezing a tray for later, this recipe always comes through. With a few simple tweaks, it can fit any diet or taste, and those cheesy, saucy layers never go out of style.
If you’ve never tried it before, now’s your chance to bring this hearty, homemade favorite into your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that turns regular evenings into family traditions and those are the best kind.
For more family-style recipes and behind-the-scenes cooking, follow me on my Facebook page and check out what I’m pinning on Pinterest.
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Baked Ziti with Chicken: A Comfort Food Favorite That’s Always a Hit
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and cheesy pasta dish with juicy chicken, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook diced chicken with seasoning until browned.
3. Add marinara sauce and tomato paste to chicken, simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 dish.
5. Mix pasta with ⅔ of the sauce. Layer pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in dish.
6. Repeat layers and top with remaining sauce and cheese.
7. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 more.
8. Broil for 2 minutes for a golden top. Let rest and garnish with basil.
9. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Freeze before baking for a ready-made meal.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg