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Broccoli Ziti and Chicken: A Flavorful Skillet Favorite

broccoli ziti and chicken in a garlic cream sauce
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This creamy garlic chicken pasta dish with broccoli and ziti is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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

broccoli ziti and chicken ingredients layout
Fresh ingredients for a chicken broccoli and ziti recipe

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. Season chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully done. Transfer to a plate.

  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic and shallot briefly. Pour in white wine or broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze.

  5. Stir in half-and-half, then add cooked pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Simmer lightly.

  6. Return broccoli and chicken to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in sauce. Adjust cream and pasta water to desired consistency.

  7. Toss in parmesan cheese until melted and well mixed.

  8. Serve garnished with lemon zest and extra parmesan.

broccoli ziti and chicken step of sautéing chicken
Cooking seasoned chicken for ziti with broccoli

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

Keywords: White wine, ziti pasta, chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, Broccoli, whole wheat ziti, artichoke hearts

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/grilled-chicken-broccoli-bowls-garlic-sauce/