Description
A creamy and comforting chicken broccoli ziti pasta dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients
12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
6. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add crushed red pepper if desired.
8. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For added richness, use half cream and half milk.
Swap ziti with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli if needed.
This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli ziti, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, pasta skillet