Spicy Baked Ziti with Chicken Recipe

Cook the Penne Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, mixing well to coat.

Layer with Cheese

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Layer with half of the mozzarella and provolone cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake the Ziti

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Prepare Garlic Breadsticks

While the ziti is baking, follow package instructions to heat the pre-made garlic breadsticks.

Slice and Serve

Once baked, let the ziti cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with garlic breadsticks on the side.