The ultimate comfort food: cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor! This affordable 5-ingredient meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. WARNING: You will go back for seconds. Maybe thirds. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
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Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain.
Season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Shred or dice it.
In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the cooked chicken. Stir well.
Top the mixture with the remaining tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning before cooking.
Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make it easier to serve.
Add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any other short pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when you're ready to serve.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
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