Chicken Broccoli Ziti with Crispy Bread Crumbs

This easy weeknight chicken broccoli ziti recipe with crunchy bread crumbs is delicious, made with nutritious ingredients, and ready in just 30 minutes!

 New  Favorite Easy prep10 mins cook20 mins total time30 mins servings4 addedFebruary 2024

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 16 ounces broccoli florets (about 2 small crowns)
• (optional) 8 ounces mushrooms
• ¾ pounds ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and toast breadcrumb mixture for 2-4 minutes, until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, but drain 2 minutes early. BE SURE TO RESERVE ½ CUP PASTA WATER.
3. Meanwhile, clean and trim broccoli. Chop florets into small, 1-inch pieces. Cut chicken into small, 1-inch pieces. Thinly slice garlic.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to extra large skillet. When it’s hot, add chicken to pan and season with ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until browned.
5. Add chopped broccoli and garlic to pan, tossing everything together. Season with remaining ½ teaspoon of sea salt and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli has softened and chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. When pasta is finished cooking, add drained pasta to pan, along with ¼ of the pasta water.
7. Toss everything together and add extra pasta water if mixture seems dry.
8. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, toasted bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper to taste.