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
Scale
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.
