Chicken Ziti Bake

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 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 ((no salt added)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 2 cups ziti pasta or 2 cups penne pasta
• 2/3 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Recipe

• 1 spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat.
• 2 add the chicken and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned, 5-6 minutes.
• 3 transfer to a plate.
• 4 preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• 5 spray the same skillet with more nonstick cooking spray.
• 6 add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• 7 add the tomatoes, italian seasoning and pepper; bring to a boil.
• 8 reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring as needed, until the mixture is thickened slightly, 8-10 minutes.
• 9 meanwhile, cook the ziti according to package directions.
• 10 drain and mix with the ricotta cheese.
• 11 pour half of the tomato mixture into a 13x9" baking pan, layer with the ziti mixture, the chicken and the remaining tomato mixture.
• 12 sprinkle with the cheeses.
• 13 bake until hot and bubbling and the cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes.