Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake a Comfort Food Classic

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort?

Fancy something cheesy and comforting? I bet you are! This Chicken Broccoli Ziti is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It's like a warm hug on a plate, honestly.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti: A Family Favorite

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake is basically the Italian American version of a Sunday roast. It's got roots in good ol' American comfort food, with a nod to classic Italian flavors.

This recipe is pretty straightforward, about an hour from start to finish. It will feed six to eight hungry souls.

You can also call it Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli .

A Bowlful of Goodness

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a sneaky way to get some extra veggies in. The broccoli is cooked in a creamy sauce.

The Healthy Chicken Broccoli Ziti also boasts loads of protein, thanks to the chicken. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner, especially when the weather outside is frightful.

What is extra special about this? It is a total crowd pleaser, everyone loves it! We call it sometimes Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli Ziti .

Now that we have you covered with this amazing introduction to the Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe , let's dive into ingredients.

I'll give you the full rundown in the next section. Get ready to create a Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake of your own!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Broccoli Ziti

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Chicken Broccoli Ziti masterpiece. Honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward. But quality ingredients? They make a HUGE difference.

This Chicken Broccoli Garlic Pasta is about to be your new fave.

Main Ingredients for Your Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli Ziti

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta. I swear by bronze die pasta! The texture is just chef's kiss .
• Chicken: 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is always best, you know?
• Broccoli: 3 cups (340g) broccoli florets. Bright green and firm is what you're after.
• Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar, 1 cup (113g) mozzarella, and ½ cup (50g) Parmesan.
• Dairy Base: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk and 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter.

Remember that time my sauce was too thin? Yeah, use whole milk. Trust me.

Seasoning Notes for Unforgettable Flavor

• Essential Spices: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper. Start there and adjust to taste.
• Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• Flavor Enhancers: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon dried nutmeg.
• Optional Kick: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy.
• Substitutions: No nutmeg? A pinch of mace works in a pinch.

I love how nutmeg makes it taste like fall! Who knows, maybe you'll like this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake with a little kick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot for pasta.
• Large skillet for the chicken and sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Whisk.

Don’t have a whisk? A fork will totally do the trick. I once used a potato masher, LOL! We aim for Easy Chicken Broccoli Ziti , right? And by the way, cooking the Chicken to 165° F( 74° C) !

Making this Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli has been a game changer for me because its super easy and delicious, so you should give this Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe a try.

This recipe for Baked Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli is awesome.

Cooking Method: Nail Your Chicken Broccoli Ziti

Okay, let's get real about making this Chicken Broccoli Ziti . It's not just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a total comfort food move.

I've messed this up so many times , so trust me, I’ve learned a few tricks. Want to know how to cook pasta and chicken like a pro? Keep reading.

Prep Like a Boss: Essential Mise en Place

First, mise en place . Fancy French, right? It just means get your act together before you start. Chop your onion, mince that garlic seriously, don't skip this.

Measure out your flour and spices, and get your Pasta Chicken Broccoli ready to go! It makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, honestly.

You'll thank me later. Preheating your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) is very important.

step-by-step: Get Your Bake On!

1. Cook your ziti pasta. Aim for al dente, about 8- 10 minutes . Drain that bad boy, and set aside.
2. Cook your chicken in a skillet. Season that chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until the inside reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Remove your chicken from the pan. This dish will taste like garlic heaven if you use too much Chicken Broccoli Garlic Pasta .
3. Sauté your onion and garlic. Cook onion until soft. Add garlic for about 30 seconds. Don't burn the garlic!
4. Make the sauce. Melt butter, whisk in flour. Slowly add milk until smooth. Simmer until thick.
5. Season it. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. A pinch of red pepper flakes? Oh my gosh, yes.
6. Combine everything. Mix sauce, broccoli , cooked chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, and ziti.
7. Bake. Pour into baking dish. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips for Epic Chicken Ziti Casserole

Want to make this Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe even better? A splash of white wine in the sauce adds some amazing flavor! Don't overcook the pasta, ever .

If you're making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake the bake ahead, undercook the pasta slightly so it does not get mushy when you re-heat it.

I use freshly grated cheese for a much better melt, honestly you can't beat that.

So there you have it! The best Easy Chicken Broccoli Ziti . I promise, this recipe will be your new go-to for a cheesy, comforting dinner.

Enjoy your very own Healthy Chicken Broccoli Ziti !

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Chicken Broccoli Ziti

Alright, you're about to dive into making some seriously good Chicken Broccoli Ziti . Before you get started, let’s chat about a few things to make sure yours turns out absolutely banging.

I have made this Pasta Chicken Broccoli several times and I've learned a thing or two along the way.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Feast!

This Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli Ziti is fantastic on its own. Honestly, sometimes I just grab a fork and dig in straight from the baking dish.

But if you're trying to be a bit fancy, plating it up nicely can make a difference. Try a swirl of balsamic glaze on the plate for a touch of sweetness.

Serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy sauce. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness nicely too.

Wash it all down with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, and you've got yourself a proper meal.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Ziti Casserole keeps well. For refrigeration, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For freezing, portion it into freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

The texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavour will still be amazing. To reheat, bake in an oven preheated to 350° F/ 175° C until hot and bubbly or microwave on high until warmed through.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!

Wanna mix things up? Go for it! For a healthier version of this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Ziti , you could use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk.

If you are not a big fan of broccoli you can use cauliflower instead.

Nutrition Basics: What's Inside?

Okay, so let's be real, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Ziti Bake isn't exactly a salad, is it? But it does have some good stuff.

It has about 40 grams of protein , 45 grams of carbohydrates , and a good dose of calcium from the cheese.

Plus, broccoli is packed with vitamins. Of course, like any comfort food, moderation is key.

Making Chicken Broccoli Garlic Pasta can be so easy. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Now go make some Easy Chicken Broccoli Ziti ! You got this. I can't wait to hear how yours turns out!