Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

• servings: 6 servings
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

12 ounces ziti

1 pound shredded cooked chicken (about 2 to 3 cups)

1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

optional garnishes: extra Parmesan, fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Prep oven and baking dish

Heat oven to 375°F. Mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the pasta in a large stockpot of generously-salted boiling water until it is just shy of al dente.

Mix everything together

Drain and return pasta to the stockpot. Add chicken and marinara sauce and gently toss until combined.

Layer

Pour half of the pasta into the baking dish and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and all of the basil. Layer on the remaining pasta, followed by 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Transfer the pan to a wire baking rack and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Serve warm, sprinkled with any extra garnishes that you would like. Enjoy!