Broccoli Ziti and Chicken: A Flavorful Skillet Favorite
If you’re craving a hearty and delicious dinner, this broccoli ziti and chicken recipe with garlic sauce is just the thing. Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and ziti pasta tossed in a light garlic cream sauce, this one-pan meal brings comfort food to your table in under 40 minutes.
PrintBroccoli Ziti and Chicken: A Flavorful Skillet Favorite
This creamy garlic chicken pasta dish with broccoli and ziti is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
½ pound ziti pasta
2 to 3 cups broccoli florets
2 medium chicken breasts – cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – divided
4 cloves minced garlic
1 small shallot – finely minced
½ cup white wine – or chicken broth
¾ cup half-and-half – plus more as needed
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – plus more as needed
Lemon zest
Instructions
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Add broccoli florets 3-4 minutes before the pasta is done. Cook until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Season chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully done. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic and shallot briefly. Pour in white wine or broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
Stir in half-and-half, then add cooked pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Simmer lightly.
Return broccoli and chicken to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in sauce. Adjust cream and pasta water to desired consistency.
Toss in parmesan cheese until melted and well mixed.
Serve garnished with lemon zest and extra parmesan.
Notes
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Half-and-half keeps the sauce light; for a richer taste, substitute with heavy cream. For vibrant broccoli, cool it quickly in cold water after cooking.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 546kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 335mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: White wine, ziti pasta, chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, Broccoli, whole wheat ziti, artichoke hearts
Chicken Broccoli and Ziti FAQs
Cook pasta and broccoli, sauté seasoned chicken, make a garlic cream sauce, then toss everything together with parmesan.
No, ziti is a tubular pasta while lasagna refers to flat, wide pasta sheets used in layered casseroles.
Baked ziti is an Italian-American dish, inspired by traditional Italian baked pasta recipes.
Ziti itself isn’t unhealthy, but it depends on what you add. Lean proteins, veggies, and light sauces can make it nutritious.
Ziti is a specific type of pasta. Pasta includes many shapes like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
Yes! Penne is a great substitute as it has a similar shape and texture.
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
Not always. Many baked ziti recipes use cheese, but stovetop versions like this one can include or omit it.
More Chicken Broccoli and Ziti Ideas
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Try this for a quick, flavorful option.
- Cheesy Rotini Chicken Pasta – Cheesy and satisfying!
- Creamy Chicken Linguine – Creamy and classic.
- One-Pan Chicken and Rice – Comfort in one dish.
- Garlic Chicken Bake – Baked goodness in every bite.
- Bacon Chicken Recipe – Add smoky bacon to elevate flavor.
- Chicken with Mushrooms & Cheese – Rich and earthy.
- Pepper Jack Chicken – A spicy twist!
- Garlic Herb Chicken – Herbaceous and aromatic.
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – A hearty, family-friendly classic.
Final Thoughts on Broccoli Ziti and Chicken
This broccoli ziti and chicken dish is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a balanced meal that brings together protein, vegetables, and creamy comfort. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning ahead, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget to customize the sauce to your liking and serve with extra cheese!
