Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A baked pasta dish with crispy chicken, melted mozzarella, and tomato sauce. This italian-american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs ziti pasta, chicken breasts, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, season 4 pounded chicken breasts with 1 tsp oregano and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dip in 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated parmesan, pressing to coat.
  3. Step 3: In a large baking dish, layer 2 cups tomato sauce, then add the chicken breasts. Top with remaining tomato sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti?

Italian-American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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