FamilyProof

Easy Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe

By Krista Gambacorta

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Credit: Adobe Stock
Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti. Credit: Adobe Stock

Difficulty Level: easy

25 min Prep
30 min Cook
55 min Total
8 Servings

If you’re looking for a popular family favorite recipe, this chicken Parmesan baked ziti should hit the spot. It brings two comfort-food dishes together into one pan. First up is a gooey, cheesy pasta bake, and the second is chicken Parmesan. Talk about crowd-pleasers.

The dish delivers tender pasta, marinara sauce, golden chicken, and heaps of cheese, so each mouthful is saucy, savory, and full of flavor. Best of all, it’s super easy to make and tastes great as leftovers. Check out the ingredients and cooking steps below.

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • 1/2 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce, 24 ounces
  • 3/4 cup of reserved pasta water
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti or penne until just under al dente.
  4. Before draining, save 3/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
  6. Set up three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
  8. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
  9. Let it rest for a few minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  10. In a large bowl or pot, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, reserved pasta water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
  11. Spoon half of the sauced pasta into the baking dish. Add half of the chicken, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
  12. Add the remaining pasta and chicken. Top with the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  13. Bake for 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  14. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  15. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 550cal
Carbohydrate: 62g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 1200mg