chicken broccoli and ziti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken broccoli and ziti recipe
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The Best chicken broccoli and ziti recipe

I’ve always been a fan of classic Italian dishes, and this chicken broccoli and ziti recipe is one of my favorites. It’s a staple in our household, and I love how it brings everyone together. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and al dente ziti pasta is just perfect.

It’s a comforting dish that never fails to put a smile on my family’s faces. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and each time it’s a hit. My kids love it because it’s familiar and delicious, while my husband appreciates the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation.

As for me, I love how this recipe showcases the beauty of traditional Italian cuisine. The flavors are rich and bold, with just the right amount of seasoning to bring out the natural goodness of each ingredient. I also appreciate how versatile this dish is – we can enjoy it on its own as a weeknight dinner or dress it up for a special occasion.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the chicken cooks in harmony with the broccoli and ziti. It’s like they were meant to be together! The technique behind cooking chicken breast with broccoli florets is pure magic.

It’s an art form that requires patience and attention to detail but yields an incredible result every time.

Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

4.7 from 822 votes

A hearty one-pan pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and ziti in a creamy garlic sauce. This comforting meal comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Vegetables

8 oz ziti pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot, then drain both together in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken in a single layer.
6Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
8Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
9Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
10Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
11The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
12Add the drained ziti and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce, then return the cooked chicken to the pan.
13Toss everything together over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
14Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat ziti. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Broccoli and Ziti Works

This chicken broccoli and ziti recipe is one that I return to time and time again because it never fails to impress my family or guests.

Whether we’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner party, this dish always gets rave reviews.

One thing I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility – we can enjoy it as a simple weeknight meal or dress it up for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

Q: Can I substitute chicken breast with thighs?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer using chicken thighs, go for it! They’ll be slightly fattier than breast meat, but they’ll still yield tender and juicy results.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using.

Q: How do I prevent the ziti pasta from overcooking?

A: To avoid overcooking your ziti pasta, cook it until it’s still slightly firm in the center but not hard as a rock. Then, let it steam for a few minutes after mixing with the chicken and broccoli sauce.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Of course! Feel free to add any other vegetables you like – bell peppers, carrots, or even cherry tomatoes would work well in this dish.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Not exactly – since we’re using chicken broth as part of the sauce, it won’t be suitable for vegetarians who consume no animal products. You could substitute vegetable broth if you’d like.

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