If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, chicken broccoli and ziti is a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked ziti pasta all tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the main ingredients for this dish:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
– Fresh broccoli florets
– Ziti pasta
– Chicken broth
– Heavy cream
– Onion and garlic for flavor
– Parmesan cheese for that cheesy richness
– Butter and flour to create the creamy sauce base
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
– Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome goodness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Broccoli and Ziti
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli Together
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil—think “salty like the sea.” Add the ziti pasta and cook it until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. In the last few minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they steam and soften without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm by covering it with foil. Leave the flavorful juices in the pan for the sauce.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add chopped onions. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, whisk in chicken broth, flour, heavy cream, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a little more flour and cook until it thickens.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back in and mix everything until it’s evenly coated with the sauce. The result is a luscious, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your chicken broccoli and ziti hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli and Ziti
– Don’t overcook the broccoli: Adding broccoli in the last few minutes of pasta cooking keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
– Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
– Adjust the sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more flour; if it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
– Customize your seasoning: Feel free to add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce for extra depth.
– Cook chicken in batches if needed: To get a nice sear on the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan.
Variations to Try
– Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
– Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
– Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
– For a restaurant-style twist, finish the sauce with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
Why Chicken Broccoli and Ziti Is a Great Meal Choice
This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner because it’s quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes—and uses just one pan for the sauce, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also balanced, combining protein, veggies, and carbs in one satisfying plate. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a smart option for lunch the next day.
Chicken broccoli and ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s creamy without being heavy, thanks to the fresh broccoli and lean chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress guests.
Ready to whip up this creamy, cheesy, and wholesome chicken broccoli and ziti? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.