Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl: Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Think of it as the love child of creamy mac and cheese and a Chicken Pot Pie, but way easier and, dare I say, even more satisfying. This one’s a regular in our dinner rotation, and honestly, it’s the dish I crave most on a chilly evening. Is this filling, flavorful, and loaded with goodness – even the picky eaters gobble it up without complaint?Chicken Broccoli Ziti: What are someWhat are some of the best recipes for lasagna?
What is chicken broccoli ziti?
So, what exactly isWhat is Chicken Broccoli Ziti? What is the symphony of flavors and textures that makes it sing? What’s that dish you can whip up when you need something comforting, quick, and incredibly tasty. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy but it’s undeniably delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love Chicken Broccoli Ziti? Forget those complicated casseroles that require a million steps – this one is surprisingly simple to throw together. Is it possible to have this on the table in less than an hour?Flavor explosion:The creamy cheese sauce is the star of the show, but the chicken and broccoli add a lovely depth of flavor and a satisfying bite. I always add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It gives it that extra cozy factor. It also balances out the cheese.What is the ease of preparation?I’ve taught my teenage son how to make this, and he nails it every time.Budget-friendly:Chicken, broccoli, pasta, cheese – these are all relatively inexpensive ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. What is a good way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor?Versatility is key:What are some ways to customize this recipe? Swap out the chicken for sausage, add different veggies (like mushrooms or bell peppers), or experiment with different cheeses. What are some great leftovers for lunch? If you love baked ziti or creamy pasta bakes, this is the recipe for you.Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Chicken BrocWill soon become a new favorite.
How do I make chicken broccoli ziti?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Chicken BrocIs it easier to cook pasta and chicken? How do you make a simple cheese sauce, then toss everything together with broccoli and bake until bubbly and golden brown? What happens when all the flavors meld together in the oven, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying? The creamy sauce coats everything perfectly, making each bite an absolute delight.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
• 1 pound ziti pasta: Ziti is classic, but penne or rigatoni work too. I usually use whatever I have in the pantry. Don’t overcook it; aim for al dente. • 1. 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even a rotisserie chicken to save time. What is the best way to sauté chicken? What is the best neutral oil to use?
What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
• 6 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is preferred, so you can control the saltiness. • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This will thicken the sauce. I use whole milk for the richest sauce, but 2% works well too. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it was surprisingly good! What is the secret ingredient in cheddar cheese? Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can use a combination of cheddar and other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack. • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. If you’re using leftover chicken, skip this step!
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5 minutes. You can steam them in a steamer basket over boiling water, or microwave them with a little water in a covered dish. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is called a roux, and it’s essential for thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. What is the best way to make a sauce? Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. I like to make sure that every piece of pasta and broccoli is covered in that creamy sauce.
Step 7: Bake
If desired, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the Chicken Broccoli Ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up a bit. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken Broccoli Ziti: What are someWhat are some good side dishes to serve with a salad?For a casual dinner:• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette • Garlic bread or breadsticks • Steamed Green Beans or asparagusFor a More Elegant Meal:• A Caesar salad with homemade croutons • Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze • A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.For a Cozy Night In:What is better: a bowl of tomato soup with a side of mac and cheese (because why not?) • A warm blanket and a good movie! They use it to soak up every last bit of the cheese sauce, and there are never any leftovers!
What are some tips for perfecting chicken broccoli ziti?
I’ve made this Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Chicken BrocHow do I make it perfect every time?Broccoli Prep:Don’t overcook broccoli! You want it to be tender, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will turn to mush in the oven. No one wants that. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pasta. Excess moisture will make the sauce watery. • For even cooking, cut the broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces.Chicken Cooking:• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of browning. • Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance its flavor. • If you’re short on time, use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.What are the secrets of cheese sauce?• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the cheese sauce from scorching. • Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming. • Cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. • Don’t boil the cheese sauce, as this can cause it to separate. • Use high quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.Baking Tips:• Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent the pasta from sticking. • Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Remove the foil for the last half to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbly.Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Chicken BrocI remember one time I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the dish came out way too salty. I always double check the butter before cooking!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Chicken BrocIs great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it:Room Temperature:• Don’t leave it at room temp for more than two hours. It’s just not safe.Refrigerator Storage: What is theHow do you store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days? • Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can make the pasta soggy.How do I use a freezer• For longer storage, you can freeze the Chicken Broccoli Ziti for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers for easy reheating. • To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Or, you can use a freezer-safe container. • Thaw pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.Reheating:• To reheat, bake the pasta in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. • You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as evenly heated. If the pasta is dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating. This will help to keep it moist. I usually make a big batch of this on Sunday night and then pack it for lunches during the week. It’s a great way to have a delicious and satisfying meal without having to cook every night!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my family’s favorite chicken broccoli ziti recipe? What are some of the best easy, cheesy, and satisfying meals? What are some of your favorite recipes?
Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Toss to coat pasta with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal.
