Ingredients
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1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 large green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 large red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 large onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
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6 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or more as needed
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1 ½ cups whole milk, or more to taste
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Saute until chicken is cooked through and beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add bell peppers, onion, and 1/2 of the garlic; cook until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
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Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add more Parmesan to thicken or more milk to thin to your liking.
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Add cooked pasta to the chicken mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a deep casserole dish. Pour cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Cook's Note:
You can use a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes in place of Roma tomatoes, and light cream in place of milk.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
484 | Calories |
15g | Fat |
53g | Carbs |
32g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
Calories 484 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 15g | 20% |
Saturated Fat 7g | 34% |
Cholesterol 70mg | 23% |
Sodium 791mg | 34% |
Total Carbohydrate 53g | 19% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 13% |
Total Sugars 7g | |
Protein 32g | 64% |
Vitamin C 50mg | 56% |
Calcium 308mg | 24% |
Iron 3mg | 16% |
Potassium 584mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.