Chicken Ziti Bake

iewe's Note:

I love Ziti, and found this on the web to add a chicken twist to the mix!! Feel free to add more cheese -- I know I do :) Easy to tweak -- try adding veggies, or even using different pasta if your family doesn't like the tube pasta. (FYI -- this recipe does call for layering, but one of the best things I have found with Ziti recipes is that you can mix everything together and throw in the pan, and that works even better sometimes!).

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 1 onion , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 2 cups ziti pasta or 2 cups penne pasta
• 2⁄3; cup ricotta cheese
• 1⁄3; cup mozzarella cheese , shredded
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese , grated

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375º F.
2. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat. Add chicken and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned, or about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning and pepper; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring as needed, until the mixture is thickened slightly, 8 - 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook ziti according to package directions. Drain and mix with ricotta cheese.
6. Pour half of tomato mix into a 13x9" baking pan, layer with ziti mixture, chicken and remaining tomato mixture. Sprinkle with the cheeses.
7. Bake until hot and bubbling and cheese is melted, 15 - 20 minutes.
8. Suggestion -- if short on time, precooked chicken strips can be used and work just fine!

Reviews

[Charlotte J]

I made almost as written. The only difference was that I used a whole pound of chicken. My husband would scream, "where's the meat", if I did not add more. The next time I make this I'll put it in the next smaller baking dish. I think my 10x8 would work better. Also I'll add the cheese the last 5 minutes of baking time. Made for ZWT7- Italy

[Dreamgoddess]

I was in a hurry and didn't take time to layer the ingredients. I just combined everything together in a bowl and them put it in a casserole dish to bake. The whole family loved this recipe and said I definitely need to make it again soon. The flavor was really good and I love that the recipe came together so quickly. Made for Count Dracula and his Hot Bites, ZWT 7.

[bluemoon downunder]

Great recipe for stocking the freezer with make-ahead dinners, and I love its versatility, so certainly a recipe I'll be making again! :) I doubled the recipe and used shredded cooked chicken, proportionally way more garlic and added 2 leeks, a couple of cups of sliced mushrooms and oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme in step 3 with Aldi Italian tomatoes (if you haven't tried them, they're SO much more flavoursome than most canned tomatoes!). I used low-fat ricotta, again proportionally more than was specified, and regular mozzarella and parmesan. I also added some wine in step 3. A wonderfully flavoursome - and so easy to prepare - one-dish meal which we really enjoyed. Thank you for sharing this recipe, iewe! Made for Zaar Stars Tag.