If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the best flavors of Italian-American cuisine, this Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken melded with al dente ziti pasta, all drenched in rich marinara sauce and topped with a glorious blend of melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. This casserole blends the beloved elements of classic chicken Parmesan and baked ziti into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings. The warm, cheesy, and savory notes will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe itself is simple enough to prepare on any busy weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish is simple yet essential, harmonizing perfectly to create that comforting balance of taste, texture, and color we all love. From the tender chicken breast to the fresh basil garnish, every element plays an important role in making this casserole sing.
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- 3 cups Ziti Pasta: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect tender bite without becoming mushy.
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce: Choose a rich and flavorful sauce to deepen the savory base of the casserole.
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that creamy, gooey topping everyone adores.
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty accent that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken and adds classic Italian flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh Basil: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly, giving you that irresistible bubbly and golden cheese top that defines the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your ziti pasta. Cook until al dente, around 8 to 10 minutes. This is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta absorbs just the right amount of sauce without getting soggy. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and tenderness.
Step 4: Simmer the Marinara Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This infuses the sauce with the savory notes leftover from the chicken, making every bite rich and delicious.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta, sautéed chicken, and marinara sauce thoroughly. Ensuring every piece of pasta is coated allows you to enjoy even flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta and cheese. Layering like this guarantees cheesy goodness in every serving.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. Watching the cheese bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown is one of the most rewarding parts of this recipe.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
After baking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and the dish to set, making it easier to cut into perfect portions. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few torn leaves adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and tomato sauce. For a little extra flair, you could also grate some fresh Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add lightness and variety to your meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also pairs beautifully with this dish for those who want to go full Italian!
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or pretty ceramic ramekins. Another idea is to layer the casserole into a clear glass baking dish so guests can see all those luscious layers of pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled properly preserves the flavors and texture for your next meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Assemble it as usual, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15 to 20 minutes. For quicker meals, microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and works well due to its hollow shape that holds sauce, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for texture and flavor. You might also increase the cheese a bit to keep it hearty.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sautéing it over medium heat until just cooked helps keep it tender. Avoid overcooking as it will become dry in the casserole.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it the next day. It also freezes well if you want to save it for a later occasion.
How do I get a crispy top on my baked ziti casserole?
Removing the foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking allows the cheese to brown beautifully. You can also broil it for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures makes it a staple to keep in your recipe arsenal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to bring smiles all around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Homemade Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender sautéed chicken, al dente ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal that combines the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan with the hearty texture of baked ziti.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing chicken)
Pasta and Sauce
- 3 cups Ziti Pasta (Cooked al dente)
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce (Choose a rich and flavorful sauce)
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (For topping)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (For added flavor)
Garnish
- as needed Fresh Basil (For garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Simmer sauce: In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors and warm the sauce.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, sautéed chicken, and marinara sauce. Stir until everything is well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with remaining pasta and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni pasta if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce during simmering.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
