Pesto Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe

As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty, home-cooked meal enjoyed with loved ones. Our Pesto Chicken Baked Ziti is the perfect combination of savory flavors and warming textures, making it a beloved dish for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe showcases vibrant green basil pesto, succulent chicken pieces, and ziti noodles baked to cheesy perfection. It’s not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring everyone together in the kitchen and at the table.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Stir until the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
5. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden brown top.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Helpful Tips

• If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
• Swap out ziti for penne or rigatoni if you prefer different pasta shapes.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to one day. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Pairings

This Pesto Chicken Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad and a side of garlic bread. For beverages, consider serving with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon.

Conclusion

We hope this delightful Pesto Chicken Baked Ziti brings warmth and joy to your family dinners. Don’t forget to share your wonderful creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We’d love to hear your feedback — visit www.zynahz.com to leave a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more recipes and updates. Follow Zynahz on all our social media platforms for daily inspiration and culinary creativity. Happy cooking!