Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti: A Comfort Food Dream

Chicken Parmesan and baked ziti are two classic Italian-American dishes beloved for their comforting flavors and satisfying textures. What if you could combine them into one epic culinary masterpiece? Enter: Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti! This dish takes all the best parts of both worlds – crispy, breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked ziti pasta, and gooey, melted cheese – and melds them into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought shortcuts like pre-cooked chicken tenders or your favorite jarred marinara sauce. However, even if you opt for making everything from scratch, the results are well worth the effort. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds!

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** This dish is the definition of comfort food – warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this recipe is relatively easy to make, especially with some helpful shortcuts.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken Parmesan:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or pre-cooked chicken tenders)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying

### For the Baked Ziti:

* 1 lb ziti pasta
* 1 (24-26 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
* 15 oz ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 3 shallow dishes for breading the chicken
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Large pot for boiling pasta
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Part 1: Preparing the Chicken Parmesan

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. For the breadcrumb mixture, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a bowl. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.

3. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.

4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. **Drain the Chicken:** Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

### Part 2: Preparing the Baked Ziti

1. **Cook the Pasta:** While the chicken is cooking, cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to the baked ziti.

3. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in the marinara.

### Part 3: Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Layer the Ingredients:** Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer. Then, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly over the sauce.

3. **Add Ricotta Cheese:** Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Spread it around as evenly as possible. This will create pockets of creamy ricotta throughout the dish.

4. **Place Chicken:** Arrange the cooked chicken Parmesan breasts evenly over the ricotta cheese layer. Make sure each piece of chicken has space.

5. **Repeat Layers:** Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the chicken, followed by the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

6. **Top with Mozzarella:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole. This creates a beautiful, bubbly, and cheesy top layer.

### Part 4: Baking and Serving

1. **Bake the Ziti:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from burning and helps the dish cook evenly. Bake for 20 minutes.

2. **Uncover and Bake:** Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from burning.

3. **Rest Before Serving:** Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

4. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Cut into squares and serve hot. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Tenders:** To save time, use pre-cooked chicken tenders instead of making chicken parmesan from scratch. Simply heat the chicken tenders according to the package directions and then layer them into the casserole.
* **Make Your Own Marinara Sauce:** For an even more flavorful dish, make your own marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The effort is worth it!
* **Add Vegetables:** Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, or spinach to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or ricotta mixture for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique flavor profile.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also add plant-based chicken substitutes.
* **Add Meatballs or Sausage:** Incorporate cooked meatballs or Italian sausage into the pasta mixture for a heartier dish.
* **Use Different Pasta Shapes:** While ziti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Garlic Bread:** Classic and always a hit.
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
* **Caesar Salad:** Another great salad option.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole completely and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-80g

## Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food – a delicious and satisfying combination of two classic Italian-American dishes. With its crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for more!

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti recipe! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out. Buon appetito!