Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: How to Make It with Rotisserie Chicken

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen just to get a hearty pasta dish on the table? We’ve all been there—watching the clock as hunger pangs grow stronger. This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with rotisserie chicken delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional ziti but cuts your prep time in half. As someone who’s tested countless pasta bakes in my years as a food writer and recipe developer, I can confidently say this shortcut version rivals any restaurant version you’ve tasted.mkp

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect rotisserie chicken, prepping your ingredients efficiently, and assembling a baked ziti that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll also find tips for make-ahead options, flavor variations, and troubleshooting common pasta bake problems—everything you need for pasta perfection every time.

Why This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe Works

• Uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor with minimal effort
• Requires just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time
• Creates that perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta in every bite
• Works as well for weeknight dinners as it does for special occasions
• Provides built-in meal prep opportunities with excellent freezing potential
• Delivers authentic Italian flavors without requiring specialty ingredients

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting Your Rotisserie Chicken

The rotisserie chicken is the star time-saver in this recipe. For best results:

• Choose a freshly-made chicken that’s still warm if possible
• Look for chickens with golden-brown, intact skin (indicates proper cooking)
• Check the packaging date if selecting from the refrigerated section
• Consider flavor variations: garlic-herb or lemon-pepper varieties add extra dimension

Pasta Selection

While traditional ziti is the classic choice, several pasta shapes work beautifully:

• Penne: The most common substitute with similar size and texture
• Rigatoni: Slightly larger with ridges that capture more sauce
• Mostaccioli: Smooth exterior but similar shape to ziti

Always cook pasta al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Cheese Considerations

A proper baked ziti needs the right cheese combination:

• Whole milk mozzarella: Provides that essential melty, stringy texture
• Ricotta: Creates creamy pockets throughout the dish
• Parmesan: Adds savory depth and creates a golden crust
• Pro-tip: Grate your own mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded for better melting

Ingredients & Prep

The Essential Components

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 3-4 cups)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or good-quality jarred)
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Work Essentials

• Shred the rotisserie chicken while still warm (easier separation)
• Combine ricotta mixture ahead of time for even flavor distribution
• Allow ingredients to come to room temperature for more even baking
• Pre-measure all components before assembly for a smooth workflow

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, remove all meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, beaten eggs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Assembly Process

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Add half of the cooked pasta to the dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in dollops (don’t worry about spreading it).
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over the ricotta layer.
5. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
6. Repeat layers: remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, chicken, and marinara sauce.
7. Top with the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.

Baking Instructions

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.
2. Bake covered for 25 minutes to heat through.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
4. For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Remove from oven and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving (critical for setting the layers).

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Prevent dry pasta: Undercook pasta slightly as it continues to absorb moisture in the oven
• Combat soggy ziti: Drain pasta thoroughly and don’t over-sauce the layers
• Fix bland flavor: Season each component generously, especially the ricotta mixture
• Ensure even cooking: Bring ingredients to room temperature before baking

Make-Ahead Options

• Assemble completely up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked
• Add 10-15 minutes to covered baking time if cooking directly from refrigerator
• Freeze unbaked ziti for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before baking

Equipment Recommendations

• Deep baking dish: A true 9×13 with 3-inch sides prevents overflow
• Silicone-coated foil: Prevents cheese from sticking when covered
• Instant-read thermometer: Center should reach 165°F for food safety

Flavor Variations

Family-Friendly Adaptations

• Extra Veggie: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini between layers
• Meat Lover’s: Include Italian sausage along with the rotisserie chicken
• Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the sauce or add sliced pepperoncini

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta (reduce initial cook time by 1 minute)
• Lower-Calorie: Use part-skim cheeses and rotisserie chicken breast only
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese alternatives and cashew ricotta

Regional Inspirations

• Greek-Style: Add spinach, feta, and dill to the ricotta mixture
• Southwestern: Incorporate black beans, corn, and use enchilada sauce instead of marinara
• Mediterranean: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Sautéed green vegetables like broccolini or asparagus
• Light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea

FAQs

Can I use pasta shapes other than ziti? Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli work perfectly. Just be sure to cook any pasta shape to al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

How do I fix my ziti if it seems too dry after baking? If your ziti comes out dry, warm some additional marinara sauce and spoon it over individual servings. For future batches, you can add ¼-½ cup of pasta cooking water to your sauce before assembly.

Can I skip the eggs in the ricotta mixture? Yes, though eggs help bind the cheese mixture and create a more cohesive texture. Without eggs, your ziti will be slightly looser but still delicious.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Definitely! You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

How long will leftovers keep? Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with rotisserie chicken brings together the best of Italian-American comfort food with modern convenience. The pre-cooked chicken not only saves time but adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining guests for a casual dinner party, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ready to experience pasta perfection? Grab that rotisserie chicken and get baking! Join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to pasta bake recipe, and check out our Classic Lasagna Recipe or One-Pot Pasta Dishes for more Italian-inspired comfort foods.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Rotisserie Chicken – Your new favorite weeknight dinner solution!