Creamy and Delicious Chicken and Ziti Casserole Recipe

Kelly's Chicken and Ziti is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender chicken, ziti pasta, and a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner and can be prepared in just under an hour. The dish is loaded with cheesy goodness and is sure to impress everyone at the table. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let cool. Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ziti, chicken pieces, and the creamy sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

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