Chicken Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce

This Chicken Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce combines tender chicken, ziti pasta, and a savory homemade marinara sauce, all baked to golden perfection with mozzarella cheese. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for a family dinner. The layers of pasta and chicken smothered in marinara and topped with cheese make this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering. Pair it with a green salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

  • For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
  • You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
  • If you want to add veggies, consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the marinara sauce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a faster, time-saving option.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Yield: 6 servings

Chicken Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce

Chicken Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce

Delicious baked ziti with chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 447Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 95mgSodium 1446mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 4gSugar 11gProtein 29g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Dish Gallery

Please share this Chicken Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.

We will meet you on next article.

Until you can read, Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Leave a Comment

Skip to Recipe