Baked Chicken and Ziti Recipe ๐๐
Overview:
Enjoy a delightful culinary journey with our Baked Chicken and Ziti recipe! Bursting with flavors and textures, this hearty dish is perfect for those cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this scrumptious meal in no time. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create something truly spectacular!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 644.4
- Fat: 6.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 79.7mg
- Sodium: 621.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 94.8g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 12.4g
- Protein: 50.3g
Recipe Details:
- Name: Baked Chicken and Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Boneless skinless chicken breast halves |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 28 oz | Italian-style tomatoes |
| 1 tsp | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 1 lb | Ziti pasta |
| 1/4 cup | Nonfat cottage cheese |
| 2/3 cup | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1/3 cup | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
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Prepare Chicken: Spray a large nonstick skillet with Pam spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
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Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, spray more Pam spray and add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Prepare Tomato Sauce: Add Italian-style tomatoes, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
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Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta and mix it with nonfat cottage cheese.
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Assemble: Pour half of the tomato sauce into a 13×9-inch baking pan. Layer the ziti mixture over the sauce, followed by the cooked chicken breasts, and then the remaining tomato sauce.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken and Ziti!
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a convenient meal prep option during busy weekdays.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
With its savory chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, this Baked Chicken and Ziti recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a
mouthwatering culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger cravings. From the tender chicken to the al dente ziti pasta, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Plus, with its quick and easy preparation, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. So why wait? Treat yourself to the comforting goodness of Baked Chicken and Ziti tonight, and experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
