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ziti in red tomato sauce topped with golden breaded skinless chicken breast bites and a modest melted-mozzarella layer in a plain baking dish
Andre Lewis

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Keep the breaded chicken on top of the sauced pasta so some of its crust survives the bake. Small pieces brown quickly in a shallow skillet, and they still need a thermometer check before they go into the dish. The mozzarella is a light finish over the chicken. Use enough tomato sauce beneath it to keep the ziti moist, but don't pour another layer over the crisp crumbs just before serving. That small separation gives the dinner both tender pasta and chicken with a little texture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dry ziti
  • 1 tbsp fine salt for pasta water
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt for chicken and sauce, divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Cook ziti in water with the tablespoon salt until 2 minutes short of the package time, then drain.
  2. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Coat lightly in flour, dip in beaten egg and press into panko mixed with Parmesan; discard leftover coating ingredients that touched raw chicken.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in two batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and at least 165°F, adding remaining oil for the second batch; transfer to a clean plate.
  4. Lower heat and stir garlic in the skillet for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, basil and remaining salt and simmer for 5 minutes, then fold in ziti and transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  5. Arrange breaded chicken over the pasta and scatter mozzarella over it. Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the center is hot at 165°F.
  6. Rest for 5 minutes and spoon from underneath to serve some sauced pasta and crisp-topped chicken together.