Chicken, Broccoli And Ziti
A hearty and cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta bake featuring tender chicken chunks, flavorful garlic and onions, melted Velveeta and American cheeses, and perfectly cooked ziti. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners, offering rich flavors and a creamy texture with a hint of freshness from the broccoli.
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 head broccoli ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 or 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pound American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pint sour cream
- 1 pound ziti ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry and simmer the chicken in 2 tablespoons of butter until 80% cooked. Remove and set aside in a large bowl.
- Saute garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons of butter in another large pan.
- Add chicken broth, water, chicken bouillon, and parsley to the sauteed garlic and onions. Simmer until seasoning dissolves.
- Add Velveeta and American cheese to the simmering mixture and stir until melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the broccoli until just tender, then set aside.
- Add sour cream to the sauce mixture and stir well, ensuring it doesn't burn.
- Cook ziti in lightly salted water until just al dente, then drain without rinsing.
- Return ziti to the pot and pour the cheese sauce over it. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the ziti and sauce into a baking pan, sprinkle with grated cheese if desired, and arrange broccoli on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, uncovered.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used as a substitute for fresh chicken breasts. You can also experiment with different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Pairing this dish with garlic bread can enhance the meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread complements the cheesy flavors perfectly. For those who love comfort food, consider serving alongside a bowl of Roasted Root Vegetable Soup to create a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ziti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Broccoli And Ziti contains roughly 732 calories, with 37g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze this dish after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).