Cooking Instructions

• Cook ziti for the recommended cooking time on the packet minus 2 minutes. Drain.
• Add olive oil into a large saute pan and place over high heat. When hot, stir in ground chicken, onion and garlic.
• Saute, breaking up the ground chicken with a spatula, until chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in marinara sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper and sugar. Reduce heat to medium, cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove pan from heat.
• Stir in cooked pasta, until evenly combined.
• Spoon in the ricotta and basil leaves, gently stirring just 2 to 3 times. Avoid fully mixing in the ricotta; we want it to remain distinct.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread half the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta, followed by remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
• Cover the pan loosely with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove the foil, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and serve hot!