Baked Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli – Easy, Hearty, and Flavorful

This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Ziti is a deliciously creamy, cheesy pasta bake that brings all the comfort of a classic Italian dish—with a lightened-up twist. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked ziti are smothered in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, delivering big flavor without the extra calories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying – Comforting pasta, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli make it a complete meal.
Cheesy Goodness – Just the right amount of melty mozzarella and Parmesan.
Lightened-Up Classic – Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese keep it creamy without the heaviness.
One-Dish Wonder – Perfect for easy prep, minimal cleanup, and great leftovers.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat ziti or penne
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray and add the garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the almond milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt.

Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, broccoli, chicken, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.

Bake Until Golden
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve and Enjoy
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Perfect with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 240
Protein: 18g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 5g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercook the ziti before baking; it will finish in the oven.
• Fresh or Frozen Broccoli – Both work well, just be sure to thaw and drain if using frozen.
• Mix Up the Cheese – Try part-skim mozzarella for even fewer calories, or sprinkle with a bit of smoked gouda for extra flavor.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness – For a golden top, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Why This Recipe Works

By swapping out heavy cream for almond milk and Greek yogurt, this dish maintains its creamy texture without the excess calories. The combination of lean chicken, whole wheat pasta, and fresh broccoli creates a balanced, nourishing meal that still delivers comfort-food satisfaction.

This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Ziti is everything you crave in a creamy pasta dish—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—with a lightened-up twist that makes it perfect for any night of the week. Quick to prepare and loaded with nutrients, it’s a dish the whole family will love.