Easy dinners. You asked for it! This Parmesan Chicken Baked Ziti is the perfect amount of cozy and comfort, without being heavy. I mean, I love cheese, but I can’t stand when there’s giant globs of melted cheese in my baked ziti. I want ooey gooey stringy cheesy bites every time.
With less than 10 simple ingredients (which you probably already have most of in your pantry), this satisfying dinner can be on the table in no time.
I’m actually sad to admit this, but it’s been a while since I’ve use plain old regular pasta. I’ve been experimenting lately with brown rice pasta, gluten free pasta, and even black bean pasta (which by the way, I’m not a fan of). And while this can be done with any of those alternatives, there’s nothing quite like the original.
I love how easy this meal is to make. And I know you will too. I got lucky with this one, because even my kids ate it! I make no promises here, but it really is THAT good.
Don’t be afraid. You got this.
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups tomato sauce (I love the Tomato Basil Sauce from Trader Joe's)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 large pinches of salt, then add the pasta and cook according to the package, about 10-11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2) Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium/high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, the garlic powder, and dried basil. Cook for about 5 minutes until chicken is just cooked through. Turn off heat and set aside.
- 3) Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it, then return the hot pasta to the pot. Add the chicken, tomato sauce, chopped fresh basil, and mix together until the pasta is well coated.
- 4) Add half of the pasta mixture back to the skillet that you cooked the chicken in, (or you can use a greased 9x11 baking dish). Sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan. Add the rest of the pasta, then top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- 5) Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra fresh basil and serve warm.
Loving life right now.
Danielle - The Creative Bite says
I could take a big plate of this for dinner, it looks amazing!!!
Life is but a Dish says
Thank you!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Baked Ziti is such an easy, delicious dish! This looks great!
Life is but a Dish says
Thanks Megan!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Love pasta bakes! This looks divine and I just love that rich colour and cheesy top.
Life is but a Dish says
Thank you!!
Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids) says
Looks delicious and so simple that older kids could do most of it by themselves! Love that!
Life is but a Dish says
Yes! A great recipe for kids!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Looks amazing! This going to be a hit to pasta lovers.
Heather@thefedupfoodie says
This looks beautifully simple and delicious!
Life is but a Dish says
Thank you!!
Todd Rygelski says
Looks fantastic! Is this a healthy version or does this recipe need tweaked to be considered healthy?
Life is but a Dish says
Thanks! Probably needs a little tweaking 🙂
Nikki says
Love the twist on baked ziti! Baked ziti is one of my most favorite dishes to make and eat!! It’s the first meal I ever cooked for my husband when we were dating and I made enough to feed an army! I will be trying this dish out for sure! 🙂
Life is but a Dish says
Aww love that! Ziti is def a fave of mine too!
Todd Rygelski says
So what can I do to tweak this into a healthy recipe? I am assuming swap out the pasta for whole wheat or something along those lines. Please share any tips you have! Thanks!
Life is but a Dish says
Not sure it would ever be a totally healthy recipe, but it could be made a bit healthier by using a whole wheat or gluten free pasta or adding some veggies?