Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy dish where tender chicken mingles with vibrant broccoli and perfectly cooked ziti, all embraced by a rich, creamy sauce. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl in anticipation. Creamy mashed potato casserole That’s right—this is Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti at its finest, a dish that brings a taste of your favorite Italian eatery right into your kitchen.
Now picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’ve invited friends over for dinner. Everyone’s laughing, sharing stories, and the moment you present this dish, all eyes widen with delight. You’re not just serving food; you’re serving joy. This dish isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress someone without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a one-pan wonder that simplifies your dinner routine while delivering incredible flavors
- It’s visually appealing with its colorful ingredients that make any plate pop
- Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish is versatile enough to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about
Every time I serve this dish, I’m met with compliments and requests for seconds—my friends can’t get enough of it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts provide the protein foundation; adjust based on how many guests you have.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Crisp and vibrant, fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition; look for florets that are bright green.
- Ziti Pasta: The star of the show! Choose ziti for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its fruity flavor enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides depth; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor impact. Lemon garlic roasted potatoes.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious sauce; it adds richness but can be substituted with half-and-half if preferred.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, enhancing flavor—don’t skimp on this! For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese manicotti recipe.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the entire dish; grab a good quality mix or create your own!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors in this delightful recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic cloves finely, and cut broccoli into small florets.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. For more inspiration, check out this antipasto chopped salad recipe.
Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic and broccoli florets once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté everything together until the garlic becomes fragrant and the broccoli brightens in color.
Add Cooked Ziti and Cream Sauce: Stir in cooked ziti pasta followed by heavy cream. Mix well until everything is coated lovingly in creamy goodness.
Melt Parmesan Cheese In : Gradually sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the mixture while stirring continuously until melted completely and forming a thick sauce.
Season to Taste & Serve!: Finally, add Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is nicely combined, serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbling!
Enjoy your Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti with freshly baked bread or a simple salad on the side—your friends will be singing your praises all night long! Cranberry chicken salad.
You Must Know
- This recipe for Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a delightful mix of flavors and textures
- With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh broccoli, it’s a dish that impresses without overwhelming you
- Make sure to taste as you go for perfection!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear your chicken first to lock in the flavors, then cook the ziti while preparing the creamy sauce to keep everything warm and ready.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Personalize it according to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your water when cooking pasta; it makes a world of difference in flavor
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for vibrant taste
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer for maximum creaminess
Cooking this Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti always reminds me of family dinners where everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts. Roasted asparagus with balsamic.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but make sure to thaw and drain excess water.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if desired.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and ziti pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this recipe is both simple and impressive, allowing you to bring the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant right into your home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mincing the garlic, and cutting broccoli into small florets.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- Add minced garlic and broccoli to the skillet; sauté until fragrant and bright green.
- Stir in cooked ziti pasta followed by heavy cream; mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted and combined.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 498
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
