Swiss Chard and Chicken Baked Ziti. Ziti with sautéed chicken, Swiss chard, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese baked to perfection.
This year I grew Swiss chard in may garden for the first time. Let me tell you, it was amazing! It kept growing and growing and growing. I had fresh Swiss Chard from September to January! Yes January! In the snow and all! Next year I will have to plant Swiss chard in the spring as well, this way I will have fresh Swiss chard from May to January!
This Swiss chard and chicken recipe came about because I had a bunch of fresh Swiss chard in the refrigerator that I picked from the garden a few days earlier. I already made sautéed Swiss chard with garlic and oil, Swiss chard soup, and Swiss chard and eggs, so I was looking for another way to use up the rest of the vegetable. I love me a good baked ziti, so this Swiss Chard and chicken recipe was created. I hope you enjoy.
NOTE
Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
How to Make Swiss Chard and Chicken Baked Ziti
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
Preparing the Ziti:
- Prepare the ziti according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Strain the ziti and place in a large mixing bowl or pot to cool.
Preparing the Mixture:
- While the ziti is cooking, in a large skillet add the extra virgin olive oil and bring to a high heat.
- Next, add in the sliced Swiss chard and sauté for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Next, add in the chicken pieces, salt, and black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Brining it All Together:
- After the chicken mixture has cooled, add the mixture to the ziti. Next, add in the ricotta cheese, 16 oz. of marinara sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and mix well to incorporate all of the ingredients.
- (Reserve 8 oz. of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for the top of the baked ziti).
Preparing the Baked Ziti
- Add the ziti mixture to the baking dish and level.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly onto the top of the ziti mixture then spread 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to cover.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
How to Serve Swiss Chard and Chicken Baked Ziti
- Remove from oven and let the swiss chard and chicken baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
More Pasta Recipes To Try
Pasta Primavera Recipe
Chop up some vegetables, sprinkle on some olive oil, roast away, and combine with pasta.
Pasta with Escarole and Beans
Escarole sautéed in garlic and oil and combined with cannellini beans, pasta, and grated cheese.
Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Zucchini and tomatoes sautéed with garlic and onions and mixed with pasta.
Pasta with Artichokes and Peppers
Artichokes and peppers sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes and mixed with penne pasta.
The Recipe
Swiss Chard and Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb. uncooked ziti
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 bunches 6-8 leaves Swiss chard sliced
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 lbs. ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 9×13 lasagna dish
Instructions
- Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
Preparing the Ziti:
- Prepare the ziti according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Strain the ziti and place in a large mixing bowl or pot to cool.
Preparing the Mixture:
- While the ziti is cooking, in a large skillet add the extra virgin olive oil and bring to a high heat.
- Next, add in the sliced Swiss chard and sauté for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Next, add in the chicken pieces, salt, and black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Brining it All Together:
- After the chicken mixture has cooled, add the mixture to the ziti. Next, add in the ricotta cheese, 16 oz. of marinara sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and mix well to incorporate all of the ingredients.
- (Reserve 8 oz. of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for the top of the baked ziti).
Preparing the Baked Ziti
- Add the ziti mixture to the baking dish and level. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly onto the top of the ziti mixture then spread 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to cover.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Invent Your Recipe
Nutrition
Invent Your Recipe:
This Swiss chard and chicken baked ziti recipe is a fun take on the traditional baked ziti. I just love a great baked ziti and usually prepare mine without any meat; just ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Romano cheese, and some marinara sauce. Occasionally, I will add in some ground beef or turkey. However, for this recipe I decided to have some fun. I had a bunch of Swiss chard from the garden in the refrigerator that I needed to use to I added it to this recipe. I also decided to add in some chicken to make this a really filling meal.
This recipe would also work well with spinach, peas, broccoli, green beans, eggplant, and zucchini. Basically, if you have a favorite vegetable, throw it into the recipe. Also for the pasta, I know the recipe is baked ZITI, however, rigatoni, penne, and gemelli would all work well.
If you like this swiss chard and chicken recipe check out our other featured pasta recipes at this link.
For even more ideas check out our pinterest page.
