Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a delightful combination that will transport your taste buds to a cozy eatery. Picture tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked ziti all enveloped in a creamy sauce, creating an explosion of flavors that dances on your palate. delicious chicken salad recipe The aroma wafting from the kitchen will have you dreaming of restaurant nights at home.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. Their eyes lit up like they had just seen a celebrity, and I knew I was onto something special. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Get ready for a culinary experience that’s as comforting as your favorite pair of sweatpants!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is easy to prepare with minimal fuss
- Its rich flavor profile combines creamy cheese and tender veggies, making it irresistible
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- Great for meal prep or serving fresh, it’s versatile enough to suit any palate
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish during our last potluck; they even asked for take-home containers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets—freshness guarantees the best texture and flavor.
- Ziti Pasta: Opt for whole wheat ziti for extra fiber or traditional for that classic comfort feel.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens—adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully and adds depth to every bite.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for that extra oomph; choose fresh garlic if you’re feeling adventurous! garlic and butter roasted potatoes.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavors while cooking.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings—don’t skip these; they are the backbone of flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing the broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Chop your chicken into cubes so they cook evenly and quickly.
Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, then add ziti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in the chicken cubes. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
Add Broccoli & Sauce Ingredients: Toss in the broccoli florets with the chicken. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle garlic powder over everything. Stir gently until combined.
Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add in grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until melted and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. creamy parmesan garlic Brussels sprouts
Combine Everything Together: Fold in cooked ziti into the skillet until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Let it heat through, about 2 minutes more.
This Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter around the table! You’re sure to enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family or friends who’ll think you’re a culinary genius!
You Must Know
- This Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti is a game-changer for dinner
- Packed with flavor and textures, it’s an easy way to impress guests without breaking a sweat
- The delightful aroma of garlic and broccoli will have everyone racing to the table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while making the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes perfectly together, creating that restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies like bell peppers for more color and nutrients. Experiment with different cheeses too; a sprinkle of feta could add a tangy twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a pan on medium heat to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh broccoli for vibrant color and crunch; overcooked broccoli can turn mushy
- Searing the chicken first enhances flavor through caramelization, making each bite delightful
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjusting seasoning can make all the difference!
Cooking this dish always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured every last bite together.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and has a nice nutty flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety for delicious results.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on low heat with a little water or broth to keep it creamy and delicious. creamy mashed potato casserole.
Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Transport your taste buds to a cozy eatery with this Restaurant Style Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and ziti pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting family dinner. With its rich flavors and delightful aroma, you’ll savor every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients by washing broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Cube the chicken.
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add broccoli and pour in heavy cream; sprinkle garlic powder and stir gently.
- Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Fold cooked ziti into the skillet until coated in sauce; heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
