Chicken or Not W Broccoli and Ziti
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "Chicken or Not W Broccoli and Ziti," a versatile pasta dish that caters to both meat lovers and plant-based eaters. Tender ziti pasta is combined with vibrant broccoli florets and either juicy chicken breast or a plant-based chicken alternative, all tossed in a luscious, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. A splash of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty twist, while red pepper flakes offer optional heat. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for busy evenings. Serve it topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that will leave everyone at the table delighted. Perfect for those searching for easy pasta recipes, creamy dinner ideas, or flexible meals with meat-free options.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Ziti pasta
- 1 lb Chicken breast or plant-based chicken alternative
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup Heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
If using chicken, pat it dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or respective alternatives) and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken (or plant-based alternative) and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.2 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.4 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 734 mg | 245% | |
| Sodium | 5078 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.4 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.6 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.6 g | ||
| Protein | 232.0 g | 464% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1316 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 1366 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
