Delicious Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Listen up, fellow cooks and food aficionados! I’ve got a recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests swoon. Introducing the unbeatable combination of ziti, chicken, and broccoli – a trio that’ll knock your socks off without fail.
Picture this: perfectly cooked ziti pasta coated in a rich and creamy sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream, studded with tender chunks of chicken breast and broccoli florets for a burst of crunch and freshness. And let’s not forget about the subtle tang of lemon slices and garlic cloves that will blend together to create an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Trust me when I tell you that it’s nothing short of magical.
With this dish, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy without ever leaving your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be your new go-to meal. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies and home chefs! If you’re in the mood for a cheesy, creamy, delicious pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, then this ziti, chicken, and broccoli recipe is a must-try. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.
First things first – this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something quick and easy to whip up for dinner. The recipe requires only 30 minutes of cooking time and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. All you need is some rigatoni pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, broccoli florets, lemon slices, garlic cloves, chicken breasts cut into cubes, olive oil, salt & pepper to taste – and voila! Dinner is served.
Now let’s talk about the taste. This recipe features tender and juicy pieces of chicken that are pan-fried to perfection before being simmered in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and chicken broth. The broccoli adds an extra level of depth to the dish – its fresh and earthy flavor perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
But the real star of the show here is the ziti pasta. This restaurant-style chicken broccoli ziti pasta is a true comfort food that is sure to warm your heart (and stomach!). The cheesy goodness baked in with the bread crumbs takes it up a notch making it crispy on top.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests at your next dinner party, this ziti chicken broccoli recipe will surely impress. Not only does it look and taste like it took hours to make, but it’s also easy to customize according to your preferences.
So go ahead; try out this easy-to-follow recipe for yourself today – your tastebuds (and stomach) will thank you later!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this chicken broccoli ziti recipe:
For the chicken and broccoli:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Make sure to get fresh broccoli florets and ziti pasta for an optimal result. As for the chicken, preferably use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes. Low-sodium chicken broth is a must in this recipe as it complements the other flavours without taking over. Don’t forget to garnish with lemon slices and bring a refreshing twist to your dish!
The Recipe How-To
Now, folks, we’re ready to dive into the main dish – the chicken broccoli ziti recipe. This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s not a recipe you want to miss out on. So gear up your kitchen, grab your apron and let’s begin.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we need to get all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into small 1-inch cubes and set them aside. Next, cut 3 cups of broccoli florets from fresh broccoli and chop 2 garlic cloves along with it. Keep it separate from the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli
To begin, take a deep skillet or pot and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it turns hot but not smoking. Then add the chopped garlic and stir for a few seconds until it turns golden brown. Add in the cubed chicken breasts and fry until they are cooked through, which should take around 7-8 minutes. It’s important to constantly stir to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet or pot and place it aside. In that same skillet or pot on medium heat, add the chopped broccoli florets along with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Stir occasionally until they become tender which should take around 5-7 minutes.
Making the Creamy Sauce
While the broccoli cooks, let’s make our creamy sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and then slowly whisk in 4 cups of heavy cream until well combined. Keep whisking until you get a thick consistency.
Combining all Ingredients Together
Once the broccoli is tender enough, add in the cooked chicken breast back into the skillet or pot alongside with cooked 16 oz of ziti pasta, that’s been drained completely. Carefully pour in the creamy sauce over these ingredients and give everything a thorough toss using kitchen tongs or a wooden spoon.
Baking Your Ziti Casserole (Optional)
At this point, you can either serve your creation right out of the skillet as-is—restaurant-style chicken broccoli ziti bowls—or you can choose to do what I do: transfer everything to an oven-proof baking dish and sprinkle some bread crumbs over top for a tasty crunch that everyone will love! If you decide on this option then cover your baking dish with foil before popping it in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes—or until everything gets bubbly and hot!
And voilà! Our easy chicken broccoli ziti recipe is complete!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up on this delicious recipe? Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can make to suit your taste buds.
For starters, if ziti pasta is not your thing, you can substitute it with rigatoni pasta. You’ll still get that hearty and satisfying pasta texture but with a little twist. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even ground beef for a meatier flavor.
If broccoli isn’t your favorite vegetable, no worries- you can use other greens such as baby spinach, asparagus or green beans. Swap the heavy cream with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond milk for a lighter version of the dish.
To add an extra punch of flavor, toss in some lemon slices or a splash of white wine sauce into the mix. You can also try adding more garlic cloves to give it an added kick.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious broccoli ziti dish. Top it off with some breadcrumbs or cheese for added texture and taste.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions in this dish. Be creative, experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – to taste the fruits of our labor. Ziti chicken broccoli is versatile and can be served as a main dish or side. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even restaurant-style meals at home. You can pair this dish with a salad, garlic bread, or any other side that complements its flavors.
For a complete meal, you can serve ziti chicken broccoli with a Caesar salad or mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Garlic bread is also an excellent addition to the dish. It’s perfect to soak up the creamy sauce and adds a flavorful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous and want more variety, you can serve it with rice or potatoes in place of pasta.
You can also drink your wine if you want to have a little “me-time” while savoring this restaurant-style chicken broccoli recipe. Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay will complement the flavors of the dish. If you prefer red wine, go for light reds like Pinot Noir or Barbera.
No matter how you choose to serve ziti chicken broccoli recipe, one thing is sure- it’s going to be the star of your dinner table. So go ahead and indulge in this classic and comforting pasta recipe. Everyone deserves a bit of “restaurant-style” treatment once in a while!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to hosting a party, no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night. That’s where make-ahead dishes like this chicken broccoli ziti come in handy. With some advance prep, you can have a delicious hot meal ready with minimal effort when your guests arrive.
To make this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe as directed but stop before the baking step. Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, remove the dish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Storing leftovers is just as easy—you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until piping hot.
One tip for reheating—you may want to add some extra liquid, like chicken broth or milk, when reheating individual portions to keep them from drying out. And if your dish has become a little too dry for your tastes, mix in some heavy cream or additional cheese before reheating.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy this chicken broccoli ziti recipe not only on party night but also any time during your busy week with minimal effort.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a new recipe can be intimidating, but don’t worry! With these tips, you are guaranteed a perfect result for your chicken broccoli ziti recipe.
1. Rinse the Broccoli and Pat it Dry
Don’t forget to rinse the broccoli and make sure it’s dry as its water content can affect the overall dish’s texture. Use paper towels to pat them dry before cooking thoroughly.
2. Get the Right Pasta Texture
Boil your pasta according to the instruction behind the package. Test noodle-firmness by biting into it, then adjust the timing if needed.
3. Cook Chicken Properly
Make sure that you’re cooking the chicken thoroughly to avoid unpleasantness. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces evenly so they can be cooked uniformly in 30 minutes.
4. Use Heavy Cream Sparingly
Heavy cream gives a velvety finish to this recipe, but overdoing it will ruin everything. Add just enough to achieve your preferred flavor without affecting the thickness.
5. Upgrade with Bread Crumbs
Thinking of something extra special for your guests? A sprinkle of bread crumbs over your ziti alfredo adds a beautiful color and crispy texture, just like in restaurant-style chicken broccoli dishes.
6. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Broccoli is delicious when cooked until just tender and bright green in color. Avoid turning them into mush by not overcooking them in water or sauce.
7. Seasoning is Key
Lemon slices, salt, and pepper elevate and balance each other out, making this easy chicken broccoli recipe extra special. Make sure to taste before serving—adjust seasoning as needed!
8. Store Leftovers Properly
Plan ahead and consider storing your leftovers properly in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag when you don’t consume everything on time. It makes for an easy dinner meal or lunch for later!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this ziti, chicken, and broccoli recipe is the perfect choice for parties or family dinners. The combination of pasta, chicken, and broccoli makes it healthy and fulfilling while the alfredo sauce adds a touch of richness that everyone will love. Plus, the recipe is easy and quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Whether you are trying to impress your guests with a restaurant style chicken dish or looking for the ultimate comfort food on a chilly night, this recipe has got you covered. You can also play around with different ingredients and variations to make it even more customized to your taste.
Don’t hesitate- give this recipe a try today! With its delicious taste and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become an instant hit with whoever you serve it to.
Ziti, Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lemon slices
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large heavy bottom skillet. Add chicken cook over medium heat until browned on both sides. Add broccolli cook for about 3 minutes and add lemon slices saute for 2 minutes. Add garlic cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add chicken broth and cream and cook until boils. Lower heat and reduce to thicken a little bit. Off heat and add cooked rigatoni. Done.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!