Chicken Broccoli Ziti (Easy Pizzeria-Style Recipe)

Chicken broccoli ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta dish of tender chicken, ziti, and broccoli tossed in a garlicky olive oil and parmesan sauce. This chicken broccoli ziti recipe is a restaurant and pizzeria favorite that comes together in about 40 minutes, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.

Below you will find what chicken broccoli ziti is, exactly what goes into it, how to make it step by step, plus tips, variations, and answers to the most common questions.

What Is Chicken Broccoli Ziti?

Chicken broccoli ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that combines ziti noodles, tender pieces of chicken, and fresh broccoli, usually tossed in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce with plenty of parmesan. It is a staple on pizzeria menus, where it is loved for being hearty, savory, and satisfying without being heavy. Some versions are made creamy with an alfredo-style sauce, while the classic pizzeria style keeps it light with garlic, oil, and a splash of broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One dish, complete meal — protein, veggies, and pasta together.
• Ready in about 40 minutes — great for busy weeknights.
• Pizzeria favorite at home — that classic garlic-and-oil flavor.
• Easily made creamy — turn it into an alfredo version anytime.
• Family friendly — a tasty way to get everyone eating broccoli.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what goes into this dish. Exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Ziti — the classic tube pasta for this dish.
• Chicken breasts — cubed and seared until golden.
• Broccoli — fresh florets, cooked until crisp-tender.
• Olive oil and garlic — the flavorful base of the sauce.
• Chicken broth — to bring the sauce together.
• Parmesan cheese — for richness and body.
• Red pepper flakes — optional, for a little heat.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Ziti

1. Cook the ziti until al dente, adding the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season and saute the cubed chicken in a little olive oil until golden and cooked to 165°F per FoodSafety.gov. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute the garlic and red pepper flakes in the rest of the oil, then add the broth and simmer.
4. Return the chicken and add the ziti and broccoli. Toss with parmesan, loosening with pasta water until glossy.
5. Season to taste and serve hot with extra parmesan.

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Ziti

• Save the pasta water — its starch makes the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Do not overcook the broccoli — crisp-tender is best.
• Brown the chicken well for the most flavor.
• Use freshly grated parmesan so it melts smoothly.
• Add garlic generously — it is the heart of this dish.

Easy Variations

• Alfredo style: stir in a cup of cream with the broth for a creamy chicken broccoli ziti alfredo.
• Baked: mix everything with sauce and cheese and bake until bubbly.
• Spicy: add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Extra veggies: add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
• Different pasta: penne or rigatoni work just as well.

What to Serve With It

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with:

• Garlic bread or warm Italian bread
• A crisp Caesar or green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A simple tomato and mozzarella salad

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, since the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the broccoli softens; thaw overnight and reheat with a little extra liquid.

Chicken Broccoli Ziti Recipe

Here is the full printable recipe. Save it for your next easy pasta night.

Chicken Broccoli Ziti

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Method

 

1. Cook the ziti in salted water until al dente, adding the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper and saute in a little of the olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked to 165 degrees F. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, warm the rest of the olive oil and saute the garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and add the drained ziti and broccoli. Toss with the parmesan, adding pasta water a splash at a time until glossy.
5. Season to taste and serve hot with extra parmesan.

Notes

For a creamy version, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream with the broth to make it an alfredo-style chicken broccoli ziti. Save the pasta water to keep the sauce silky.

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• Crack Chicken Pasta
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• Chicken Divan with Curry

Frequently Asked Questions