Creamy Cajun Chicken & Broccoli Ziti
Indulge in this creamy Cajun Chicken & Broccoli Ziti, an elevated twist on a nostalgic dish that's bound to captivate both kids and adults alike. The combination of tender bite-sized chicken, perfectly cooked ziti, and vibrant broccoli florets is enveloped in a rich, zesty cheese sauce that strikes the perfect balance between flavor and spice. This dish is not only easy to make but also delivers a comforting feel, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Adjust the heat according to your taste with customizable Cajun seasoning, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal. Serve it up warm and watch everyone go back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
366
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (cut into bite-sized strips)
Ziti pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Broccoli florets
1 lb (fresh)
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons (plus 2 tablespoons for sauce)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (for roux)
Milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (for sauce)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions; about 6 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli together once they are cooked al dente.
2
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the chicken strips and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, combine it with the drained pasta and broccoli in a large bowl or pot, tossing gently to mix.
4
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
5
5. Stir in the lemon juice, shredded cheese, and additional 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix to combine and cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6
6. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ziti, and broccoli mixture. Gently fold everything together until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
7
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
38g
Carbs
23g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Chicken & Broccoli Ziti?
It is an elevated twist on a nostalgic dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken, ziti, and broccoli florets in a rich, zesty cheese sauce.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need chicken breasts, ziti pasta, broccoli, garlic, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, butter, flour, milk, lemon juice, and Mexican blend cheese.
How much chicken is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized strips.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While the recipe specifies 1 lb of ziti pasta, you can use similar shapes like penne or rigatoni if needed.
When should I add the broccoli to the pasta water?
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water approximately 6 minutes before the ziti is finished cooking.
How is the chicken seasoned?
The chicken strips are seasoned with 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Sauté the chicken in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made of 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of flour, followed by 2 cups of milk.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either whole or 2% milk for the best sauce consistency.
How much Cajun seasoning is added to the sauce?
In addition to seasoning the chicken, you add 2 extra tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the cheese sauce.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the sauce to provide a bright, zesty balance to the creaminess.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a zesty flavor profile with heat that can be adjusted by changing the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 366 calories per serving in this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Broccoli Ziti.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving provides 23g of protein.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
One serving contains approximately 38g of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How much fiber and sugar are in the dish?
The dish contains 2g of fiber and 1g of sugar per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the description highlights that this dish is ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen broccoli; just adjust the boiling time so it doesn't become too mushy.
How do I prevent the sauce from having lumps?
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously into the flour and butter mixture to ensure a smooth sauce.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened (about 5 minutes) and the cheese has completely melted into the mixture.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before adding it to the sauce?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente before being combined with the chicken and sauce.
What type of garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic and captivating dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large pot for the pasta and a large nonstick skillet for the chicken and sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on broccoli, you could easily add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it warm, optionally garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt added later.
How do I combine all the ingredients?
Once the sauce is finished, pour it over the combined chicken, pasta, and broccoli, and gently fold everything together until coated.