Chicken Ziti Bake

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 2 cups ziti pasta or 2 cups penne pasta
• 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Recipe

• 1 preheat the oven to 375º f.
• 2 spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat. add chicken and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned, or about 5-6 minutes. remove chicken from pan and set aside.
• 3 add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes. add tomatoes, italian seasoning and pepper; bring to a boil.
• 4 reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring as needed, until the mixture is thickened slightly, 8 - 10 minutes.
• 5 meanwhile, cook ziti according to package directions. drain and mix with ricotta cheese.
• 6 pour half of tomato mix into a 13x9" baking pan, layer with ziti mixture, chicken and remaining tomato mixture. sprinkle with the cheeses.
• 7 bake until hot and bubbling and cheese is melted, 15 - 20 minutes.
• 8 suggestion -- if short on time, precooked chicken strips can be used and work just fine!