Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Baked Ziti with Chicken recipe! This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Forget takeout – homemade comfort food is just a few simple steps away. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver maximum flavor, making it a staple in my healthy meals rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the deliciousness truly begins!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and tomato sauce. Stir gently to combine. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano and basil will elevate the flavor of the sauce significantly.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
- Make it spicier: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Baked Ziti with Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for the chicken.
- Meat Lovers Baked Ziti: Add pepperoni, ground beef, or Italian sausage along with the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Baked Ziti with Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a wonderful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire, and one of the best recipes you'll find for a comforting, flavorful meal. From easy recipes to healthy meals, this one checks all the boxes!