Enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal with this creamy and flavorful Ziti Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente ziti pasta are smothered in a rich and creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need to impress guests with a comforting homemade meal. It's full of flavor and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Ziti Chicken and Broccoli hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Interesting Facts
Ziti pasta is a tube-shaped pasta that originated in Sicily, Italy.
Chicken is a versatile and lean source of protein that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu.