This Baked Chicken Ziti is a wholesome, family-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Packed with lean protein from rotisserie chicken, fiber from gluten-free pasta, and heart-healthy olive oil, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
With melty cheese and fresh basil, it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or simple meal prep.
Creamy Baked Chicken Ziti
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch baking pan
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces gluten-free ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the pasta as it cooks. Add 8 ounces of gluten-free ziti to the boiling water and cook for half the recommended time on the package—this ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy. Once partially cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the saucepan to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics for Flavor: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance without burning. This creates a flavorful base for the ziti.
- Cook Chicken and Season: Add 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken directly into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes just to warm the chicken and let the flavors meld. This step infuses the chicken with the savory aromatics while keeping it tender.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce and Basil: Pour 24 ounces of marinara sauce into the saucepan with the partially cooked ziti. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil to the pasta and sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with sauce and flecked with fragrant basil. This mixture forms the heart of your baked ziti, delivering balanced flavor in every bite.
- Layer the Casserole: Spray or lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Begin by sprinkling 2/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese evenly across the bottom of the pan; this adds a savory, slightly nutty layer that complements the pasta and chicken. Next, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly over the parmesan. Spoon the chicken mixture on top, making sure the chicken pieces are distributed uniformly. Finally, sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a melty, golden topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly around the edges. Baking allows the flavors to meld together while giving the dish a satisfyingly cheesy top layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts. Let it rest for 5 minutes to help the casserole set and make serving easier. Sprinkle additional fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and aromatic flavor. Serve hot directly from the pan, accompanied by a side salad or gluten-free dinner rolls if desired.
Notes
- Partially cook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Sauté onions and garlic until aromatic to build deep flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken speeds up prep, but leftover cooked or shredded chicken works too.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; dried basil or Italian seasoning can be substituted.
- Add optional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Layer parmesan at the bottom for a creamy, savory base.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing—assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Baking
To achieve a rich, layered flavor, start by properly sautéing the onions and garlic until aromatic.
Warming the chicken in the skillet with the seasonings allows it to absorb the flavors fully.
Don’t skip the parmesan layer at the bottom of the baking dish—it melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, savory base.
For a golden, bubbly topping, broil the ziti for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Using high-quality marinara sauce and fresh herbs elevates the dish, turning a simple casserole into a restaurant-quality comfort meal.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pairings
Baked chicken ziti is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or garlic-roasted vegetables adds freshness and balance.
Gluten-free dinner rolls or a simple garlic bread complement the cheesy richness beautifully.
For a family-style presentation, serve it straight from the baking pan with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top.
A glass of light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon enhances the meal experience without overwhelming the flavors.
Storage Tips to Keep Ziti Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, cover the pasta with foil if using an oven to prevent the cheese from drying out or burning.
The microwave works well for smaller portions; stir halfway through for even heating.
This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
To freeze, layer the casserole in a freezer-safe container without baking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Freezing with the cheese on top may slightly alter the texture, so you can also add the mozzarella just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes! Regular ziti or penne works perfectly. Just cook according to package instructions, adjusting for the partial boil before baking. The result will be equally delicious.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage and cover it tightly in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
3. Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs, breasts, tenderloins, or leftover grilled chicken all work well. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and diced before layering into the casserole.
4. How can I make it extra cheesy?
For a cheesier version, sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan over the top before baking, or mix some into the pasta before layering. Adding a little ricotta or cream cheese can also create a creamy texture.
5. Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
You can also add plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu to maintain protein content while keeping it satisfying.
