Baked Ziti with Chicken and Vegetables
Baked Ziti with Chicken and Vegetables is a hearty Italian-American pasta casserole that combines ziti noodles with tender chicken pieces and a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. The dish is typically bound together with a rich marinara or tomato sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates and protein, with a moderate to high fat content depending on the amount of cheese and oil used. A typical serving provides a good source of protein for muscle repair, calcium from the dairy, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, with a calorie count often ranging between 400 and 600 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Zinc | 3.0 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
While rooted in traditional Italian pasta dishes, this baked casserole style is a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine, often associated with comfort food and family gatherings. Nutritionally, it is unique for its ability to incorporate a variety of vegetables into a single, cohesive dish, making it a practical way to increase vegetable intake while enjoying a satisfying, cheesy pasta meal.
