Budget Chicken Cheese Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Hearty chicken and cheese pasta casserole that's easy on the budget—perfect for family dinners.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 10.5 ounces ziti pasta
02 - 2 cups diced cooked chicken

→ Sauce & Cheese

03 - 2 cups tomato sauce
04 - 1 cup cottage cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain well.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine diced cooked chicken, tomato sauce, cottage cheese, and egg. Stir until evenly incorporated.
03 - Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
04 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick to prepare on a busy night and no fuss steps
  • Uses ingredients you probably already have at home
  • Cheesy and comfort packed but still budget conscious
  • A family friendly meal that reheats well for lunches
02 -
  • A balanced main dish for weeknights high in protein to keep you full
  • Great use for leftover or store bought rotisserie chicken
  • Easy to double for a crowd or meal prep
03 -
  • Undercook the pasta slightly since it will keep cooking in the oven and you do not want mush
  • Always taste your tomato sauce before using a bland jar can drag down the whole dish
  • Let it sit at least five minutes after baking so you slice neat squares instead of having a runny mess
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