chicken ziti broccoli recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best chicken ziti broccoli recipe

I’ve been making this chicken ziti broccoli recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. My kids love the way the pasta, chicken, and broccoli all come together in a big bowl of comfort food.

It’s one of those recipes that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. I like that it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit our tastes – we like it with a little extra garlic, but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan.

The best part is that it’s so versatile – we can have it as a weeknight dinner or as a special occasion dish when company comes over. Plus, it’s healthy enough that I don’t feel too bad serving it to my kids every now and then.

In fact, this recipe has become such a staple in our house that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it. My husband even requests it for his birthday dinner!

It’s that good.

Chicken Ziti with Broccoli

4.7 from 542 votes

A hearty and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente ziti, and fresh broccoli florets in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Broccoli

8 oz (225g) ziti pasta
2 cups (150g) broccoli florets

For the Chicken

1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.
4Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander and set aside.
5While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
8Stir and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
9Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
10In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
11Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
12Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, then whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
13The mixture should be bubbly and lightly golden.
14Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
15Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 5 minutes.
16The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
17Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
18Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
19Add the drained ziti and broccoli and toss gently with tongs or a wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
20Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
21Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot for pasta
Colander
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of whole milk and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon. You can also substitute gluten-free pasta and all-purpose gluten-free flour blend if needed. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Ziti with Broccoli Works

I love serving this chicken ziti broccoli recipe at family gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities and everyone loves it. The leftovers are also great for packing lunches or dinners throughout the week.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can customize it to suit your tastes – add more garlic if you like, or use different types of cheese if you prefer. This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event with friends and family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Ziti with Broccoli

Q: What is the origin of chicken ziti broccoli recipe?

This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine, where ziti pasta is a staple ingredient. The addition of broccoli and chicken makes it a unique twist on traditional Italian dishes.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, depending on how quickly you can chop the vegetables and cook the pasta.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta instead of ziti?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe includes chicken, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.

Q: Can I store leftover chicken ziti broccoli in the fridge?

Yes, you can store leftover chicken ziti broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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