My mom always has her unique spin to this dish that takes it to the next level! Wowzers!
Savor the comforting goodness of Chicken & Broccoli Baked Ziti – a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of pasta, the savory delight of chicken, and the freshness of broccoli. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step, ensuring your culinary success.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 pound |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Broccoli florets, blanched | 3 cups |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 3 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated, divided | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce | 2 1/2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish | As desired |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. - Boil the Ziti:
Boil the ziti to al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain well and return to the pot. - Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ricotta, sour cream, and egg. Add in half of the mozzarella cheese and half a cup of Parmesan. Season with garlic and onion powder, then salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Ingredients:
To the pot with the pasta, add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and marinara sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated in the sauce. - Layering in the Baking Dish:
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently spread. - Add Remaining Pasta Mixture:
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake to Perfection:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes more. - Final Touch:
Let it rest for a few minutes before sprinkling with parsley for garnish. Serve warm and watch it disappear before your eyes!
