Chicken, Bacon, and Spinach Baked Ziti

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 8 oz cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 6 slices bacon, diced and cooked
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. 4 Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. 5 In a large bowl, combine ziti, chicken, bacon, spinach, and ricotta cheese.
6. 6 Pour tomato sauce over the ziti mixture and stir to combine.
7. 7 Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. 8 Mix mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and sprinkle over the top.
9. 9 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. 10 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Variations

• Substitute ground beef for chicken.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Substitutions

• Use penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
• Substitute part-skim mozzarella for a lower fat option.

Pairings

• Italian sausage
• Steamed broccoli

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• This dish tastes even better the next day!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ