Cheesy Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
300g ziti or penne pasta
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce and heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the shredded chicken until well combined with the sauce.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Let the dish cool briefly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 550 per serving
Servings: 6