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Chicken Ziti Broccoli Recipe

Chicken Ziti Broccoli Recipe - Easy Meals To Cook

Let’s talk about a dish that bursts with flavor and comfort – Chicken Ziti Broccoli. As a food blogger and registered dietitian, I adore meals that are not just filling but also boast a hearty dose of nutrition. 
This dish is a classic for a reason. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and ziti pasta all swimming in a creamy sauce. With a delightful mix of ingredients, it strikes a balance between indulgence and wellness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 can low-sodium chicken broth 14-ounce
  • 1 1/2 cups skim milk
  • 6 ounces dry whole wheat ziti pasta
  • 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 can artichoke hearts in water, drained, quartered, and patted dry 14-ounce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Before cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Slice the chicken, chop the broccoli, mince the garlic, and dice the onion. This will streamline the process and make cooking enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 2 minutes. The aroma will be delightful!
Step 4: Add the Broth and Milk
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
  1. Add the ziti pasta to the simmering liquid. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
Step 6: Mix in Broccoli and Other Ingredients
  1. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets. This ensures that they retain their vibrant color and crunch. After adding, throw in the artichokes, herbs, and some lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 7: Final Touches
  1. Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, add the chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, capers, and fresh parsley. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook: Be mindful of the cooking times. Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy and lose its vibrant color.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese will make a noticeable difference in taste.
  • Pre-cook Pasta: If you want to save time, you can cook the ziti separately. Just toss it with the sauce at the end.
  • Make it Spicier: If you love some heat, add more crushed red pepper or even a dash of cayenne.
  • Don’t Skimp on Herbs: Fresh herbs can significantly elevate the dish. Don’t be shy when it comes to using them!