What To Know
- Chicken broccoli ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and ziti pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- To reheat, place the chicken broccoli ziti in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Chicken broccoli ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and ziti pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or a potluck. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken broccoli ziti recipe, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this beloved dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the top.
6. Bake:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve:
- Serve the chicken broccoli ziti hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Broccoli Ziti
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your dish.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for this dish.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, but not overcooked.
- Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp.
- Use a good-quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese will give you the best results.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the dish.
- Serve the chicken broccoli ziti hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Variations on Chicken Broccoli Ziti
- Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Ziti: Instead of using cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup, use Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken Pesto Broccoli Ziti: Instead of using cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup, use pesto sauce.
- Chicken Bacon Broccoli Ziti: Add cooked bacon to the dish.
- Chicken Sausage Broccoli Ziti: Use cooked chicken sausage instead of chicken breasts.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Ziti: Omit the chicken and use more vegetables instead.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Broccoli Ziti
- Storing: Leftover chicken broccoli ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken broccoli ziti in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Some popular choices include penne, rotini, and macaroni.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Assemble the dish and bake it according to the instructions. Then, let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through.
