6-Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

This 6-ingredient chicken Parmesan baked ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and hearty meal that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and ziti pasta makes for a perfect dinner, and the best part? It’s baked to perfection in one dish, so clean-up is a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ziti Pasta

Start by boiling the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is the base of your dish, and you want it al dente so it holds up well when baked.

2. Combine Chicken and Marinara Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease, or quickly cook chicken breasts and shred them. Add the Italian seasoning to the sauce-chicken mixture for an added flavor boost.

3. Layer the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked ziti pasta at the bottom. Top the pasta with the chicken and marinara sauce mixture, spreading it out evenly.

4. Add Cheese

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce mixture. Layer the remaining ziti on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken Tip: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, grilling or pan-searing chicken breasts and shredding them works just as well.

• Extra Flavor: You can add some fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor and spice it up.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can easily be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready.

Conclusion: Simple Comfort Food

This 6-ingredient chicken Parmesan baked ziti is the perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t require much effort but delivers incredible flavor. Whether you’re making it for the family or hosting friends, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your dinner rotation. With minimal ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that everyone will devour.