Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 people
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Calories
490 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Recipe brings together boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins breaded with Italian-style breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, pan-seared until golden and cooked through. The dish includes ziti pasta cooked just under al dente to finish baking in the oven, coated in a jarred marinara sauce that adds robust tomato flavor. Mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese are layered over the top to create a rich, bubbly crust as it bakes. The mixture of tender chicken pieces with tender pasta and creamy, melted cheeses creates a satisfying texture and classic Italian-style flavor combination.
The cooking method starts with preparing a crisp breadcrumb coating on the chicken, then sautéing the chicken in olive oil and butter for browning and flavor. The pasta is boiled and mixed with sauce and chicken, then baked in a greased casserole dish for a cohesive casserole. The result features golden chicken bites inside a cheesy tomato pasta bake. This layered cooking approach combines both stovetop and oven techniques for depth of flavor.
This baked ziti dish is best served warm as a main course, suitable for family meals or casual dinners. The rich, cheesy topping provides a pleasing contrast to the hearty pasta and chicken filling. It can be paired with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
For best results, salt the pasta water generously to season the pasta thoroughly, and grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen for up to three months, making it convenient for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin boneless, skinless
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Italian style
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese divided, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter ⅛ stick, unsalted
- 1 pound ziti 1 box, dry
- 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season generously with salt.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the breadcrumbs and ¼ cup parmesan cheese to a small plate. Mix together. Add flour to another small plate. Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk with one tablespoon of water.
- Dredge chicken tender in flour. Pat any excess off. Dredge in egg, let any excess drip off. Coat in breadcrumbs. Set aside and repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
- Heat a large skillet to a medium heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add chicken tenders. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan when done and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken cooks, drop the ziti into the pasta water. Cook until just under al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water and then drain the noodles.
- Add the pasta back to the pot along with the jarred marinara and pasta water. Stir to combine.
- To assemble: Spoon half of the ziti in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with half of the diced chicken. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with remaining pasta and sauce, followed by remaining chicken, then mozzarella, and finally the remainder of the grated parmesan.
- Bake in the oven until hot and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. Serve right away.
Notes
- Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent the ziti from sticking during baking.
- Generously salt the pasta water to enhance the pasta's flavor before baking.
- Stir the pasta immediately after adding to the boiling water to prevent it from sticking together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 490 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 490kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1157mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 654mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 721IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 242mg | 24% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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