Welcome to our irresistible recipe for “Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti”! If you’re craving a comforting Italian dish that combines the flavors of chicken Parmesan and baked ziti, you’re in for a treat. Our recipe takes the classic baked ziti to the next level by adding tender chunks of chicken, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that will please the entire family. Imagine perfectly cooked ziti pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, layered with succulent chicken pieces, and topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. Each mouthwatering bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner gathering or simply want to indulge in a comforting meal, this Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti recipe is a true winner. So let’s dive into this culinary delight and discover how to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 (24 ounce) jars pasta sauce
- 4 (8 ounce) packages shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray two 9×13-inch baking dishes with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine pasta, pasta sauce, and chicken in a large dish. Spread 1/4 of pasta mixture in each 9×13-inch dish. Top each with 2 cups (8 ounces) of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese. Repeat with another layer of pasta and cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
