Ziti And Broccoli Casserole
A hearty baked casserole combining ziti, broccoli, and chicken in a cheesy, flavorful sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic salt in butter.
- Cook and drain ziti.
- Add chicken broth to garlic and butter mixture, then add frozen broccoli and bring to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Pour the broccoli mixture over the drained ziti in a casserole dish.
- Cut up chicken breast and add to the mixture.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until cheese melts slightly and is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions or bell peppers along with the garlic salt in butter. You can substitute the frozen broccoli with fresh broccoli if desired, just adjust the cooking time. For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or sausage. This recipe also pairs well with chicken recipes like Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ziti and broccoli casserole hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. It makes a perfect main dish, but you can pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish also complements soups like The Orchard Inn'S Tomato Herb Soup for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti And Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 102 calories, with 10g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
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 in this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute ziti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the flavor with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, making it a delightful meat-free option.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's 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).