Table of Contents
Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a delectable one pan dish that combines tender sliced Chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and Ziti pasta in a velvety, creamy sauce. This delightful recipe is loved for its efficiency and rich flavors, making it a crowd pleaser for weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you choose to use white wine or keep it nonalcoholic, the result is a mouthwatering blend of savory and comforting tastes. With its versatility to accommodate different pasta shapes and protein choices, Chicken Broccoli Ziti is sure to become a favorite go to recipe for every food lover.
More Favorite Chicken and Broccoli Recipes
Are you looking for more culinary adventures involving chicken and broccoli? We’ve got you covered! Check out these other delicious recipes that will delight your taste buds:
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A comfort food classic that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli: Succulent chicken smothered in a delectable garlic butter sauce, served alongside perfectly roasted broccoli florets.
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: A creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine, tender chicken, and blanched broccoli, a match made in pasta heaven!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe is a true crowd pleaser for several reasons:
Efficiency in One Pan: This dish is a complete meal cooked in a single pan, saving you time on preparation and cleanup.
Creamy and Indulgent: The velvety cream sauce and the tender chicken and broccoli create a luxurious dining experience.
Customization Options: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.
Family Friendly: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is loved by both adults and children.
Leftover Savior: It’s a beautiful dish to prepare in larger quantities, as leftovers taste equally delicious the next day.
Can I Use a Differently Shaped Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While our recipe calls for Ziti pasta, you can use any shape. Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni work beautifully in this recipe, offering delightful textural variations in every bite. Get creative and choose the pasta shape that excites your taste buds!
Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is the soul of this Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe. It’s what elevates the dish from delicious to divine. Combining chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional white wine creates a rich, smooth, and intensely flavorful sauce. The magic lies in a perfect balance of these ingredients, resulting in a velvety texture that coats pasta and chicken exquisitely.
Thinly Sliced Chicken
Thinly sliced chicken ziti broccoli is crucial for achieving tender and succulent meat when preparing this dish. Thicker cuts may take longer, and the Chicken Broccoli Ziti might be slightly challenging. On the other hand, thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and evenly, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Do I Have To Use White Wine?
The addition of white wine in this recipe is optional but highly recommended for those seeking to elevate flavors. The white wine contributes a subtle tanginess that complements the sauce’s creaminess and adds depth to the overall taste. However, if you prefer a nonalcoholic version or don’t have white wine on hand, dish will still be delicious without it.
Is This Dish Spicy?
Fear not, spice averse friends! The Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe is not inherently spicy. The flavors lean towards creamy and savory with a hint of garlic. However, if you desire some heat, you can always sprinkle red pepper flakes over your dish for a delightful kick.
Want to Save This Recipe?
If you’ve fallen in love with this Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe and want to keep it for future reference, we’ve got you covered! Please bookmark this page or save it to your recipe collection to recreate this delightful dish anytime you crave a delicious and comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time and assemble everything just before serving. Cook pasta, sauté chicken and broccoli, and prepare the sauce. Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the components in a pan and combine them for a warm and delicious meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight box for up to three months. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat it on stovetop.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While fresh chicken ziti broccoli is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite protein source, like tofu or tempeh. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
How long to heat up chicken broccoli ziti?
To heat up Chicken Broccoli Ziti, the time required will depend on the method of heating. If using a microwave, it typically takes 2-3 minutes on high heat. For oven reheating, it may take around 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
How many calories are in chicken broccoli and ziti?
The number of calories in chicken broccoli and ziti can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Generally, a typical serving of chicken broccoli and ziti may contain around 400-500 calories. However, for an accurate calorie count, it’s best to refer to a specific recipe or check the packaging if it’s a store-bought meal.
Conclusion
Our delightful Pan Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the best flavors and textures in a single dish. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli combine to create a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will impress your loved ones and have them return for seconds.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will undoubtedly earn you accolades from your guests. The joy of creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen is a reward in itself. And remember, key to a truly remarkable Chicken Broccoli Ziti is to prepare it with love and passion!
Cooking the Pasta: Start by cooking Ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain pasta and set it aside. Sautéing the Chicken and Broccoli: Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet or pan. Add thinly sliced chicken and cook until it's no longer pink, ensuring it's cooked through and tender. Once chicken is cooked, add fresh broccoli florets and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until broccoli is slightly tender and garlic becomes fragrant. Creating the Creamy Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently scraping bottom to release all those flavorful brown bits. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, creating a velvety and creamy sauce that will coat pasta beautifully. Incorporating the Pasta: Add cooked Ziti pasta to the creamy sauce in the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow pasta to simmer for a few minutes, absorbing the spice and chicken flavors. Cheesy Finale: Time to add the star ingredient – grated Parmesan cheese! Stir it into pasta until it melts and blends seamlessly with sauce, adding a delightful richness to the dish. The Wine Question: If you're wondering whether you must use white wine, answer is no, but we highly recommend it. White wine adds a subtle complexity to the sauce, elevating overall taste. However, feel free to omit it if you prefer a nonalcoholic version. Spice It Up or Keep It Mild: Concerned about the spiciness? Fear not! This Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe is not inherently spicy. However, if you crave a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a delightful kick. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve Chicken Broccoli Ziti immediately, and watch as it disappears from the plates in no time! This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or substitute the chicken with your favorite protein source.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
You can skip the white wine without compromising flavor if you prefer a nonalcoholic dish.Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
