broccoli ziti and chicken recipe
The Best broccoli ziti and chicken recipe
Oh, this Broccoli Ziti and Chicken recipe is one of those meals that just feels like a hug for my whole family. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a family gathering. The thing about it is, it’s hearty enough to satisfy a crowd, but it’s also simple enough that I can throw it together without stressing over perfection. My kids—especially my teenagers—love it because it’s got that cheesy, comforting texture without being too heavy, and the broccoli adds a nice fresh crunch that balances everything out. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to make sure everyone’s eating something that feels good, tastes great, and doesn’t take forever to prepare.
I also love how versatile this dish is. It’s perfect for meal prep because the ziti holds up well in the fridge or freezer, and you can always add extra chicken or broccoli if you’re feeding a bigger group. And the health benefits? Well, it’s got protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and a good dose of calcium from the cheese—without being so heavy that it leaves you feeling sluggish afterward. It’s that kind of meal that lets you eat well without feeling guilty, which is always a win in my book. Plus, when you serve it with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread, it’s like a complete package—something you can enjoy every day without ever getting tired of it.
Broccoli Ziti with Chicken
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente ziti, and fresh broccoli in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 medium heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking ziti. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
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3 In the same skillet, add broccoli florets, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with additional salt if needed.
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4 In a separate bowl, combine marinara sauce, chicken broth, butter, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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5 For the cheese sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine milk, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
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6 In the same skillet used for broccoli, add the marinara sauce mixture and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cheese sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
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7 Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, chicken, broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
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8 If baking ziti, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot with boiling water
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Pasta cooker or colander
- Food processor (optional for cream sauce)
- Oven (if baking ziti)
- Mixing spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Broccoli Ziti with Chicken Works
This Broccoli Ziti and Chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings because it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd without feeling like a heavy, one-note meal. The tender chicken and bright, cheesy pasta balance well, making it simple to serve at potlucks or holidays without needing extra sides. Plus, it’s comforting yet fresh enough to feel special, so it never gets boring over repeated use.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Ziti with Chicken
What is the best way to prepare broccoli for this broccoli ziti recipe?
The best way to prepare broccoli for this recipe is to trim the stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Lightly steam or blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. You can also sauté them in a little olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients in this broccoli ziti recipe?
Yes, you can make some substitutions, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly. For example: – Pasta: Swap regular ziti for penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat ziti. – Chicken: Use ground turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. – Broccoli: Substitute with cauliflower florets, green beans, or spinach (though texture may differ). – Cheese: Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella if you prefer a richer taste, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How long should I cook the ziti pasta before adding the chicken and broccoli mixture?
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes in boiling salted water) until al dente. Drain it, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside. This ensures the pasta absorbs the sauce properly without becoming mushy when mixed with the chicken and broccoli.
What is the secret to keeping the broccoli tender-crisp in this dish?
To maintain tender-crisp broccoli, follow these steps: – Blanch first: Lightly blanch the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes to soften slightly but keep it firm. – Sauté briefly: After draining, sauté the broccoli in olive oil or butter for 1-2 minutes until just heated through—don’t overcook. – Add early: Include the broccoli in the sauce at the beginning (along with the chicken) so it doesn’t overcook in the final dish. – Use a little acid: A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar at the end can help brighten the color and enhance crispness.
How can I make this broccoli ziti recipe ahead of time and reheat it properly?
You can prep this dish in advance, but reheating is key to avoid a soggy texture: – Make ahead: Assemble the sauce with chicken and broccoli, then refrigerate until ready to cook. Cook the pasta separately, mix everything together, and refrigerate. – Reheat gently: Bring the dish to a simmer, stir in a splash of pasta water (about ¼ cup), and cover to keep it warm. For best results, reheat in small batches to avoid overcooking. – Freezing option: Portion into airtight containers, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on low heat with a little water added to loosen the sauce.
