Chicken Broccoli Ziti

The only thing we don’t love about cooking is doing all the dishes at the end! That’s why we’re always interested in a one-pan meal, like this easy chicken broccoli ziti dish. It’s creamy, comforting and loaded with hearty protein and vegetables. Garnish it with a grating of Parmesan cheese.

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Ingredients

• Chicken: We season boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill them in butter before slicing them and adding them to the sauce.
• Cream sauce: We first saute minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt in butter to create a rich cream sauce. Then, we pour milk and chicken broth into the pan and allow it to come to a boil.
• Ziti: We rely on ziti because this pasta shape soaks up the creamy pasta sauce in its tunnels.
• Vegetables: We toss broccoli florets and sliced red peppers into the creamy pasta sauce to boost flavor and introduce delicious textures.
• Cheese: We grate Parmesan cheese on top to give it a rich and savory flavor to finish this pasta.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the chicken

Season the chicken breast with pepper and a pinch of salt. In a large skillet, cook the chicken in a tablespoon of butter until it’s no longer pink. Remove it from the pan once it’s finished cooking and keep it warm.

Step 2: Assemble the pasta

In the same skillet, saute the onion in the remaining butter until tender. Next, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt to the pan and cook for a minute longer.

Stir the chicken broth and milk into the skillet and bring them to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for seven to eight minutes or until the ziti is tender. During the last five minutes of cooking, add the broccoli and red peppers to the skillet. Lastly, return the chicken to the skillet and heat through.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

Finish by sprinkling the pasta with cheese.

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe Variations

• Add bacon or pancetta: Fry bacon or pancetta and crumble it into this creamy pasta to introduce some savory and salty bites.
• Mix in fresh herbs: Mince some fresh basil or parsley and toss it into this chicken broccoli ziti to give it bright and aromatic flavors.
• Use a different cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try grating in sharp cheddar, gouda or mascarpone.

How to Store Chicken Broccoli Ziti

We recommend storing this chicken broccoli ziti in an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for three to four days.

Can you make chicken broccoli ziti ahead of time?

This chicken broccoli ziti recipe works great for meal prep. Cook it, store it in the fridge for three to four days and then reheat it when you are ready to eat throughout the week.

Can you freeze chicken broccoli ziti?

If you have leftover chicken broccoli ziti, we recommend storing it in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. You can freeze it for two to three months, then reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

How long does chicken broccoli ziti last?

If you have a lot of leftover broccoli ziti and chicken recipe  keep it in the fridge for three to four days. If you store it in the freezer, it’ll last two to three months.

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Tips

What types of vegetables can I use in this pasta recipe?

This recipe would taste delicious with our suggestions of broccoli and peppers as well as sun-dried tomatoes, peas or spinach.

Can I make a vegan version of chicken broccoli ziti?

You can make some swaps to this recipe if you prefer plant-based dinners. Switch the milk and butter for a vegan version. Use vegetable instead of chicken broth. Grate in a vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. Lastly, instead of chicken use plant-based meat or mushrooms. The taste may vary from the original recipe, but it’ll still be comforting.

What can I serve alongside chicken broccoli ziti?

This chicken broccoli ziti shines on its own but you can pair it with some hearty sides to make this meal extra filling. Toast a baguette and lather it with butter or serve a refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette to brighten your plate.