Baked Ziti with Chicken: Sizzling, juicy perfection.

A Cozy Dish for a Busy Day

This baked ziti is my go-to for a hungry family. It is warm and cheesy. Everyone always asks for seconds.

I love how the whole house smells while it bakes. It makes a big pan, so it is perfect for sharing. What is your favorite meal to share with friends?

Let’s Get Everything Ready

First, get your noodles boiling. Cook them just until they are firm. We call this “al dente.”

While they cook, chop your chicken into little bites. Do not forget to season it well. I still laugh at the time I forgot the salt. The chicken was so plain!

Cooking is Like a Little Dance

Cook the chicken in a pan with some oil. When it is done, add the garlic. Doesnt that smell amazing?

Now, mix everything together in your big noodle pot. The sauce, chicken, and fresh basil all go in. This matters because mixing it well means every bite is perfect.

The Best Part: The Cheese!

Here is the fun part. We build our ziti in layers. Noodles, then cheese, then more noodles.

We use two kinds of cheese. Parmesan gives a salty kick. Mozzarella makes it wonderfully gooey. Fun fact: The word mozzarella comes from the Italian word for to cut. Do you prefer your cheese stretchy or crispy?

Why This Meal Feels So Good

This dish is more than just food. It brings people to the table. That matters more than anything.

Cooking for others is a way to show you care. It does not have to be fancy. It just has to be made with love. What is a meal that makes you feel loved?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
ziti noodles	16 ounces
olive oil	1 tablespoon
chicken breasts	1 pound	trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
garlic	2 cloves	minced
your favorite pasta sauce	28 ounces	or make your own
fresh basil	0.5 ounces	chopped (about ⅓ cup)
grated parmesan	1 cup	divided into two ½-cup portions
shredded mozzarella	2 cups	divided into two 1-cup portions

My Cozy Baked Ziti with Chicken

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. The oven is just warming up. I want to share my recipe for Baked Ziti. It is pure comfort in a dish. The cheese gets all bubbly and golden. It always reminds me of my big family dinners. The kids would run in, smelling the garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let’s make some new memories together.

• Prep Time: 25min
• Cook Time: 25min
• Total Time: 50min
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1: First, let’s get our oven ready. Turn it on to 350°F. Find your big baking dish, the one that’s 9 by 13. Give it a quick spray so nothing sticks. (My hard-learned tip: always spray the dish, even if it looks non-stick. It saves so much scrubbing later!). Now, put a big pot of water on to boil for the noodles.

Step 2: Cook your ziti noodles until they are just tender. We call this “al dente.” It means they still have a little bite. Drain them well and put them back in the warm pot. While that’s happening, cut your chicken into little bite-size pieces. Season them well with salt and pepper. I still laugh at my grandson, who thought “season” meant just adding pumpkin spice!

Step 3: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet. Cook your chicken pieces until they are no longer pink. Then, add the minced garlic. Oh, that sizzle! Cook it for just one minute until it smells wonderful. Now, pour your favorite pasta sauce into the pot with the noodles. Add the cooked chicken and garlic, and your chopped fresh basil. Stir it all together like a big, happy family.

Step 4: Here is the magic part. Pour only half of your pasta mix into the baking dish. Now, sprinkle on a whole cup of mozzarella and half of your parmesan. Pour the rest of the pasta on top. This makes a cheesy surprise in the middle! Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. What’s your favorite type of cheese to melt? Share below!

Step 5: After 20 minutes, take the dish out. Be careful, it’s hot! Take off the foil. Now, sprinkle the rest of your cheeses on top. Pop it back in the oven, without the foil, for about 8 more minutes. You will know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. It is worth the wait, I promise.

Three Fun Twists on This Classic

This recipe is like a good friend. It is happy to change things up! Here are a few ways to make it new. Try one next time you feel adventurous. It keeps things fun in the kitchen.

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the chicken. Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers instead.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the sauce. It will warm you right up!
• Summer Garden Ziti: Use a creamy pesto sauce instead of tomato. Add fresh, chopped cherry tomatoes.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Now, a dish this special deserves a good plate. I love to serve it with a simple, crisp green salad. A piece of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is my grandson’s pick. For the grown-ups, a nice glass of Chianti wine pairs beautifully. It is a classic Italian choice. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Baked Ziti for Later

Let’s talk about keeping your ziti tasty for days. Cool it completely before covering. It will last in the fridge for about four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. I wrap my dish tightly in two layers of foil. This keeps the freezer air out.

I remember my first time freezing a big batch. I was so proud to have a ready-made dinner for a busy night. It felt like a gift from my past self. Batch cooking matters because it saves you time and stress. A warm meal is always waiting for you.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake it covered at 350°F until bubbly. This keeps the noodles from drying out. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Ziti Problems

Sometimes our cooking doesn’t go as planned. That is perfectly okay. If your pasta seems dry, stir in a little extra sauce before baking. This ensures every bite is moist and delicious. I once forgot to add enough sauce. The ziti was a bit too chewy.

If your cheese isn’t browning, place the dish under the broiler for one minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Getting a golden top matters because it adds wonderful flavor and texture. Another issue is watery sauce. Make sure to drain your cooked pasta well. Fixing small problems builds your confidence in the kitchen. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Baked Ziti Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook it until it is just tender.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you are ready.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil? A: You can use one tablespoon of dried basil instead. It will still be very tasty.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. Use an 8×8 baking dish.

Q: Any other tips? A: Let the ziti sit for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set for easier serving. Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this cozy meal. It has filled my home with happy smells for years. *Fun fact: Ziti pasta gets its name from the Italian word for “bridegrooms”!* I would be so thrilled to see your creation. Sharing food is a way of sharing joy.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I love seeing your family dinner triumphs. Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.