Hey there, fellow food lovers! Sophia here, ready to share a recipe that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening: Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have you licking your plate clean.

But this isn’t just your average pasta bake! We’re going to elevate this classic recipe with a few special touches, ensuring it’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make!

Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be cooking up:

• Building the Flavor Foundation: We’ll start by creating a rich and creamy sauce that forms the heart of this dish.
• Pasta Perfection: Learn the secrets to cooking ziti pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring it holds its shape and texture.
• Chicken and Broccoli Bliss: Discover the best ways to prepare your chicken and broccoli for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Assembling Your Masterpiece: We’ll walk through the steps of combining all the elements to create a visually appealing and delicious pasta bake.
• Tips and Tricks for Success: From ingredient substitutions to serving suggestions, I’ll share my insider tips to help you achieve culinary greatness.

Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing recipe? Let’s get cooking!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Ziti Recipe

Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 large heads broccoli, cut into florets and steamed
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 6 breaded and fried skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, chopped (or about 2 cups cooked chicken)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube.
• Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
• Slowly drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This will help to thicken the sauce beautifully.
• Continue to simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking, stirring occasionally.

3. Combine and Bake (Optional):

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• To the creamy sauce, add the steamed broccoli florets, chopped artichoke hearts, and chopped chicken. Stir gently to combine.
• Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
• For an extra cheesy delight, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with an additional ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Ziti immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Tips and Tricks for Ziti Perfection:

• Pasta Power: For a richer flavor, try using chicken broth instead of water to cook your ziti pasta.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! Asparagus, peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all make delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce for a touch of heat.
• Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would all complement the flavors in this dish beautifully.
• Storage Savvy: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Considerations:

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Ziti recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Calories and Fat: This recipe is relatively high in calories and fat, primarily from the heavy cream and cheese. To lighten it up, you can use low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of some of the heavy cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
• Sodium: Canned chicken broth and bouillon cubes can be high in sodium. Choose low-sodium varieties when possible, or make your own chicken broth at home.
• Fiber: Broccoli is a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. Be sure to include plenty of broccoli florets in your dish.
• Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.

For more information on healthy eating and nutrition, check out the resources available from the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While ziti is the classic choice for this recipe, you can use any short, tubular pasta shape, such as penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: While you can freeze this dish, it’s not recommended. The creamy sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed, which can affect the texture of the final dish.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a comforting and flavorful Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) this dish as much as I do.

Happy cooking!