A fast and easy chicken baked ziti with al dente pasta, shredded chicken, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals.
8ouncesdried ziti pastaor similar shaped pasta such as rigatoni or penne
2cupscooked chickenshredded or chopped
24ouncesmarinara sauce
1teaspoondried oreganoItalian seasoning may be substituted
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheesedivided
0.75cupgrated Parmesan cheesedivided
2tablespoonsfresh basil leaveschopped
0.5teaspoonred pepper flakesoptional, or as desired
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat oven to 350F and spray a 9x9-inch baking dish or 2 to 2.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
Cook the pasta according to package directions to al dente. While pasta is cooking, shred the chicken.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add shredded chicken, marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes, then stir to combine. Do not rinse the pasta.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is golden brown on top. Rotate the baking dish halfway through for even browning.
Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave about 30 seconds.
Notes
This baked ziti is great for meal prep and can be made ahead or frozen for convenience. Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for best results.