Ingredients
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1 lb rigatoni or any short pasta
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1.5 cups tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
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0.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
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Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, tomato sauce, thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
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Assemble the dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Broil for golden top (optional): If you like a golden-brown top, broil for 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it.
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Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.