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Chicken broccoli ziti recipe in a bowl with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, homemade pasta dinner

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe (Easy & Creamy 30-Minute Dinner)

A quick and creamy chicken broccoli ziti recipe made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a light garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dinner is healthy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups — ziti pasta
  • 2 — chicken breasts cubed
  • 2 –3 cups — broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves — garlic minced
  • 1 small — onion chopped

Sauce

  • 1 cup — milk or half-and-half
  • ½ cup — chicken broth
  • ½ cup — Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp — butter
  • 1 tbsp — olive oil
Seasoning
  • To taste — salt
  • To taste — black pepper
  • 1 tsp — Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp — red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp — lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander (for draining pasta)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Cook Pasta & Broccoli
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions.
  2. Add broccoli florets during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  3. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
  1. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
  3. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth and milk.
  2. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
  2. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss until everything is well coated and creamy.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
  1. Add lemon juice and mix well.
  2. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce cheese
  • To make it baked, add mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months