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.

Baked Ziti with Chicken – Easy & Delicious Family Dinner

Description

A comforting and cheesy pasta dish with juicy chicken, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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