Cheesy Chicken Ziti Bake
This Cheesy Chicken Ziti Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for families and gatherings. With tender chicken and gooey mozzarella enveloped in ziti pasta, it's a delightful twist on a classic baked pasta recipe. Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or black olives. It's easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 (16 ounce bag, uncooked)
Pasta sauce
1 (10 ounce jar)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3 (6 ounce bags)
Cooked chicken breasts
12 (12 ounces (or use any cooked chicken, sliced into bite-sized pieces))
Vegetables (optional)
2 (1 cup each, chopped (broccoli, mushrooms, black olives, etc.))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sliced chicken, your choice of chopped vegetables (if using), and the pasta sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
4
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture, then stir gently to incorporate.
6
Top the dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring it is evenly spread out across the top.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken Ziti Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Ziti Bake?
It is a comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring ziti, cooked chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese in a savory pasta sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include ziti pasta, pasta sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cooked chicken breasts.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I cook the ziti pasta initially?
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 12 ounces of cooked chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I add vegetables to this chicken ziti bake?
Yes, you can add about 2 cups of chopped vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or black olives.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for three 6-ounce bags of shredded mozzarella cheese, totaling 18 ounces.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the dish?
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the pasta mixture and stir gently, then top with the remaining half.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
How long do I bake the casserole uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a light golden color.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is easy to assemble ahead of time and bake when you are ready to eat.
What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken Ziti Bake?
A fresh salad is a great accompaniment for a complete meal.
What type of pasta sauce is best?
The recipe uses a 10-ounce jar of your preferred pasta sauce.
Is this dish suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and high serving count make it perfect for families and gatherings.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, ensure you use a greased baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While the recipe specifies ziti, you could use similar shapes like penne or rigatoni.
Is the chicken cooked before it goes into the oven?
Yes, the recipe requires pre-cooked chicken breasts sliced into pieces.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Follow the boiling instructions on the pasta package and test it for a firm, chewy texture.
What are some suggested vegetable additions?
Broccoli, mushrooms, and black olives are recommended choices for customization.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal or casserole, making cleanup easier.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized under Chicken Breast recipes.
How much total mozzarella is used in the layers?
A total of 18 ounces is used, split between the internal mixture and the top layer.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of sliced?
Yes, any cooked chicken sliced or shredded into bite-sized pieces will work well.
What makes this dish a comfort food?
The combination of tender pasta, savory chicken, and generous amounts of gooey melted cheese creates a classic comfort food profile.
How many tags are associated with this recipe?
There are 7 tags including baked pasta, comfort food, family meal, chicken recipe, easy dinner, casserole, and one dish meal.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce bag of uncooked ziti pasta.