Mom’s Chicken & Broccoli Baked Ziti

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is a cozy family-style pasta casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, ziti, creamy sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs. It has the comforting texture of classic baked pasta while adding vegetables and plenty of protein.

This Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. It can be assembled ahead, baked when needed, and reheats beautifully.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
1 teaspoon olive oil

Ingredients For the Chicken and Broccoli

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups broccoli florets

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

For Assembly

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti combines creamy pasta, juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and melted cheese in one dependable casserole. The ingredients are easy to find, while the finished dish feels rich and comforting without complicated preparation.

Another reason to love Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is how practical it is. You can prepare most of it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it later. It also makes generous portions for family dinners and leftovers.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the ziti and cook it about 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente pasta. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking them prevents a soft or mushy casserole.

Drain the pasta, toss it with olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a small pot of water to a boil.

Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender.

Drain immediately and rinse briefly under cool water. This keeps the broccoli from becoming too soft while the casserole bakes.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Cutting the chicken into similar-size pieces helps everything cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Cooking the chicken before assembling Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti gives the casserole better flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute.

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously.

Add the cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir 1/2 cup Parmesan into the sauce until melted and smooth.

The Parmesan adds savory depth and helps the sauce cling to the pasta in Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Place the cooked ziti in a large mixing bowl.

Add the chicken, broccoli, creamy sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and a little parsley.

Fold everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.

The mixture should look creamy before baking because the pasta will absorb some of the sauce in the oven.

Step 8: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it into an even layer.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C.

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the top is lightly golden.

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is ready when the center is hot and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the sauce to settle and makes portions easier to serve.

Garnish Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti with parsley, basil, extra Parmesan, or black pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is filling enough to serve on its own, but a fresh side can balance the creamy pasta.

Pair it with a green salad, Caesar salad, cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted vegetables.

Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or toasted sourdough are excellent for soaking up extra sauce.

For a larger family dinner, serve Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti with roasted tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or a light vegetable soup.

For a fresh and colorful side dish, try our Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad with crisp vegetables, chickpeas, feta, and herbs.

Recipe Tips

Cook the pasta slightly under al dente because it continues softening in the oven.

Cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.

Blanch the broccoli briefly rather than fully cooking it.

Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible because it melts more smoothly.

Keep the cream sauce slightly loose before baking.

Do not overbake Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti, or the pasta and chicken may dry out.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Variations

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is easy to adapt with ingredients you already have.

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred or chop it and add it during assembly.

Replace broccoli with spinach, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, or a mixture of vegetables.

For a tomato-based variation, stir 1 to 2 cups of marinara into the cream sauce.

You can also replace ziti with penne, rigatoni, or another short pasta.

For stronger cheese flavor, add provolone or fontina.

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti can also be made with cooked turkey instead of chicken.

If you enjoy healthy Mediterranean-inspired meals, you may also like our Roasted Cauliflower and Crispy Chickpea Bowl with Creamy Herb-Tahini Dressing.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is an excellent make-ahead casserole.

Assemble the complete dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

If baking directly from the refrigerator, add about 10 minutes to the covered cooking time.

You can also prepare the sauce, chicken, broccoli, and pasta separately one day ahead, then assemble everything when ready.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a small splash of milk or broth to keep the pasta creamy.

For larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F or 175°C oven until heated through.

Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 520
Protein: 37 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 720 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the pasta, cheese, chicken, and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Use about 3 cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken and skip the skillet-cooking step.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw it first and pat it dry so excess water does not thin the sauce.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes. Replace the cream with additional whole milk. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes. Penne, rigatoni, mostaccioli, or fusilli all work well.

How do I keep the casserole creamy?

Do not overcook the pasta, keep the sauce slightly loose before baking, and avoid baking longer than necessary.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes. Assemble Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, roasted peppers, or zucchini can all be added.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti is a warm, comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, garlic cream sauce, and plenty of melted cheese in one family-friendly meal.

Because Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti can be assembled ahead, customized with different vegetables, and reheated easily, it is practical for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Keep this Chicken Broccoli Baked Ziti recipe handy whenever you want a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dinner that feels homemade and satisfying.