Save This hearty baked ziti with a white chicken chili twist has become my family's go-to comfort meal on busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty beans transform ordinary pasta into something truly special that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
I first created this recipe when trying to use up leftover roasted chicken and some canned beans in my pantry. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became our most requested family meal. My teenagers now specifically ask for this dish before big exams or sports events when they need comfort food with staying power.
Ingredients
- Ziti or penne pasta Creates the perfect base that holds up well to baking and catches all the creamy sauce in its tubes
- Cooked chicken breast The protein backbone of this dish. I recommend poaching or using rotisserie chicken for the most tender results
- Cannellini and great northern beans Add heartiness, fiber, and a creamy texture that complements the pasta perfectly
- Yellow onion and garlic The aromatic foundation that builds depth of flavor throughout the entire dish
- Diced green chilies Provide a mild tang and subtle heat without overwhelming the dish. Look for fire roasted varieties for extra flavor
- Cream cheese Creates an incredibly silky sauce base. Always use full fat for the best melting properties
- Sour cream Adds tanginess to balance the richness. Make sure it is room temperature to blend smoothly
- Chicken broth Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding savory depth. Homemade is best but quality store bought works well too
- Mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese The perfect melting cheeses that create those irresistible stretchy cheese pulls. Always grate your own for better melting
- Cumin, oregano, and chili powder The signature spice blend that transforms this from regular pasta bake to one with distinctive southwestern flair
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Cook ziti in generously salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now ensures perfect texture in the final dish. Drain well but do not rinse to help the sauce adhere better.
- Create the flavor base:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly to prevent burning which would create bitterness.
- Add aromatics and spices:
- Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly. This brief toasting activates the essential oils in the spices, dramatically enhancing their flavor throughout the dish. You should notice a fragrant aroma rising from the pan.
- Incorporate protein and beans:
- Add the shredded chicken and both types of beans to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything with the spice mixture. Allow this to cook together for about 2 minutes so the flavors begin to meld and the beans warm through without breaking apart.
- Create the creamy sauce:
- Add the cream cheese cubes, sour cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium low and stir continuously until the cream cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to easily mix with pasta.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently fold everything together until all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Be careful not to break the pasta or mash the beans during this process.
- Layer in baking dish:
- Transfer half of this pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of both cheeses evenly across the surface. Add the remaining pasta mixture as a second layer, then top with the remaining cheese, creating a beautiful cheesy crust that will become golden in the oven.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the uncovered baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The dish is done when the cheese is completely melted, bubbling around the edges, and developing light golden spots on top. For an extra golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Save The green chilies are truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. While they might seem like a small addition, they provide that distinctive southwestern tang that transforms this from an ordinary pasta bake into something truly special. My grandmother first introduced me to cooking with canned green chilies when I was young, and now my own kitchen is never without them. They add complexity without overwhelming heat, making them perfect for family meals.
Make Ahead Instructions
This baked ziti is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually develop wonderfully overnight, making this an excellent option for entertaining or busy weeknights when you want to prep in advance.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture, then heat in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until the center reaches 165°F. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage, but the added liquid when reheating will bring back its creamy consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No ziti or penne pasta Use any medium tubular pasta like rigatoni or even medium shells
- No cream cheese Substitute with mascarpone cheese or ricotta blended with a bit of milk
- No sour cream Greek yogurt makes an excellent tangy substitute with extra protein
- Vegetarian option Replace chicken with an additional can of beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Gluten free adaptation Use your favorite gluten free pasta and check that your broth is certified gluten free
Serving Suggestions
This hearty baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. The brightness cuts through the richness of the pasta. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or warm crusty bread for sopping up every bit of the delicious sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also works well to add more vegetables to your meal.
Save This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy sharing this delicious baked ziti with your loved ones!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well if ziti is unavailable. Choose sturdy shapes for best texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot green chilies or increase the cayenne pepper to amp up the heat to your taste.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the pasta bake up to one day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- → What are recommended toppings or garnishes?
Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice brighten the finished dish.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken adds flavor and saves time on preparation.
- → How can I adapt this for gluten-free diets?
Substitute gluten-free pasta and check labels on chicken broth and dairy to ensure gluten-free status.