Weeknight Baked Ziti White Chili (Print View)
Hearty baked pasta blend—zesty white chicken chili meets creamy ziti with beans and cheese.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
→ Chicken and Beans
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
03 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
→ Dairy and Sauce
09 - 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
10 - 1 cup sour cream
11 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Seasonings
14 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
19 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Toppings (Optional)
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - Sliced green onions
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Cook the ziti or penne pasta in generously salted boiling water until it is just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Incorporate the diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the spices are fragrant.
05 - Add the shredded cooked chicken and both the cannellini and great northern beans to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
06 - Add the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
07 - Gently add the cooked pasta to the skillet containing the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
08 - Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle this layer evenly with half of the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Then, evenly distribute the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, and top with the rest of the shredded cheeses.
09 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling and golden.
10 - Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in under an hour from start to finish
- Uses pantry staples you likely already have
- Combines two favorite comfort foods into one incredible dish
- Loaded with protein from chicken and beans
- Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
02 -
- Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
- Provides a complete meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish
- Can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or divided into smaller portions
- Makes exceptional leftovers that often taste better the next day
03 -
- For maximum flavor, roast your own chicken breasts with simple seasonings rather than using boiled chicken. The depth of flavor makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.