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Chicken Baked Ziti

It's a delicious weeknight pasta the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 462
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. Ziti pasta cooked (reserve 1/2 c pasta water).
  • 2 lb. Cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp. olive Oil
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper chili powder optional.
  • 32 oz. marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan
  • 1 bunch basil chopped chiffonade

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook the ziti noodles according the package instructions by boiling large quantities of water on the stove. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In the meantime, heat the olive oils in a nonstick pan on medium heat. Stir in the chopped chicken and seasonings. Cook until the chicken is done. Drain and discard any liquid left in the pan.
  3. Mix in the marinara and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer. Add the chicken mixture and sauce to an oven-safe glass baking pan. It is recommended that the dish be at least 4.8 quarts (10x15) in size. This will allow you to store everything.
  4. Place the cooked ziti noodles over the top. Then, add the ricotta or basil. Combine everything.
  5. Add the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan. Cover with foil. To prevent cheese sticking to foil, spray foil with non stick spray. Bake for 20 minutes while foil is still on. After that, remove foil from the oven and broil for 3-4 minute or until cheese becomes slightly browned and bubbly. Serve with extra red sauce and garnish with more basil. Enjoy! !