Name: Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti That’s Comfort In A Casserole Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1 pound ziti or penne pasta; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Cheesy Baked Chicken recipe is a cozy hug in a casserole dish. We’re talking bubbling layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and enough gooey cheese to make your heart sing. If cheesy chicken recipes are your thing, this one checks all the right boxes. It’s creamy, savory, and comes together with minimal fuss—just the kind of dish you pull out when you need a win. Think of it as your new favorite cheesy chicken casserole that also just happens to make your house smell incredible. When the weather cools off, and you’re craving something hearty, this is the recipe baked to warm your bones and fill your kitchen with joy. I love how this kind of chicken baked recipes are easy enough for a weeknight but feel like you tried harder than you actually did. It hits that sweet spot between comfort food and convenience, and frankly, we all need more recipes baked like this one in our lives. So, if you’re on the hunt for easy baked dinner recipes that’ll please picky eaters, satisfy a crowd, or just make your Tuesday night feel a bit more like Sunday, this dish has your back.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti
4) How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti
6) Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti
8) Try these Dinner recipes next!
9) Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What makes this Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti ultra comforting?
Can I prep this baked dish the night before?
How long does this casserole stay fresh?
Which cheeses work best in this recipe?

2) Easy Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti Recipe

There’s something almost magical about a hot, cheesy baked chicken dish bubbling away in the oven while you’re in fuzzy socks, waiting with a fork. This Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti recipe brings that warm, cheesy hug we all need at the end of a long day. You layer it once, bake it once, and everyone is asking for seconds—sometimes before the dish even hits the table.

The first time I made this, I didn’t even plan it. Just had some leftover chicken, a box of ziti, and a craving for cheese. Turns out, that’s all it really takes to start a dinner tradition. Whether you’re into cheesy chicken recipes or just like a good excuse to clear out the fridge, this one’s worth bookmarking. It fits squarely into the category of Easy Baked Dinner Recipes, which—let’s be honest—is exactly what we all want at 6 p.m.

For those of you who love a Cheesy Chicken Casserole with crispy edges and creamy middle layers, you’re going to enjoy this. It’s one of those Chicken Baked Recipes that feels fancy but requires zero stress. You just stir, bake, and maybe try not to eat it straight from the pan.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti

Cooked Chicken Breast: I usually shred some leftover baked chicken, but rotisserie works great too. You want tender pieces that soak up the sauce without drying out.

Ziti or Penne Pasta: Either works just fine. I go with ziti when I want it classic. Cook it al dente so it holds up after baking.

Marinara Sauce: Use a jarred kind you like or your own. I mix in a little cream to mellow the acidity and give the dish a velvety finish.

Heavy Cream or Milk: Just a splash makes all the difference. It softens the tang in the marinara and helps everything melt together in that dreamy, cheesy way.

Mozzarella Cheese: Go generous here. This cheese is all about stretch and melt, and it’s the key to that signature cheesy pull.

Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold flavor and an extra golden top. I love the contrast between the sharp cheddar and soft mozzarella.

Parmesan Cheese: A little sharp, a little nutty. I mix it into the sauce and sprinkle it on top. Never skip it.

Garlic Powder and Italian Herbs: These bring out the flavor in the sauce and chicken. Just a teaspoon of each goes a long way.

Salt and Pepper: Always taste as you go. The cheese has salt, so you don’t need much here.

Fresh Parsley: Toss it on after baking. It gives a little color and freshness that really finishes things off.

4) How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Drain it when it’s al dente—don’t let it go too soft.

Step 3: In a bowl, stir together marinara sauce, cream, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and mix until it’s all coated.

Step 4: Toss the drained pasta into the bowl and add half the mozzarella and cheddar. Stir well so everything is coated and cheesy.

Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. It should be bubbling and the top should have golden brown spots.

Step 7: Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Add parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy—or just hungry.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti

Cook your pasta al dente. That’s rule number one. Soft noodles will break down when baked and turn the whole thing mushy. Al dente pasta holds its shape and gives the dish that chewy, satisfying bite.

Use two types of cheese. Mozzarella melts like a dream, but cheddar brings the punch. That mix is what makes this one of the best recipes baked for flavor and texture.

Don’t skip resting time. I know it’s tempting, but five minutes out of the oven gives everything time to settle. The slices come out cleaner, and the flavors seem to click better.

6) Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti Ahead of Time

I’m a big fan of prepping dinner when the house is quiet. If you’ve got ten minutes the night before, just assemble the whole thing up to the baking step. Cover it tight and pop it in the fridge.

When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for a few minutes while the oven heats. Add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time, and you’re good to go.

It’s one of those recipe baked dishes that actually tastes better after the ingredients have had time to mingle. The flavors get deeper, the pasta soaks up the sauce, and the top still gets nice and golden.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken Ziti

Leftovers are a gift. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about four days.

When you reheat it, splash in a tablespoon of milk to loosen things up. Microwave on medium or pop it in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F until it’s warm throughout.

I’ve even frozen portions for busy weeks. Wrap them in foil, then in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F, covered, for about 40 minutes.

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