CHICKEN (OR NOT) W/ BROCCOLI AND ZITI

Chicken (or not) w/ Broccoli and Ziti image

Provided by Rosemarie Zub

Categories Pasta

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1/4 c olive oil
2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
3 garlic cloves , slivered
salt and ground pepper to taste
2 c broccoli flowerets
1/2 lb ziti, cooked
1/3 c half and half or milk
1/2 c fresh parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
dried red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 c pasta water as needed

Steps:

1. Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken with the garlic, salt, and pepper until lightly browned. Add the broccoli flowerets. Toss with the chicken. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add milk and ONLY 1/4 of the grated Parmesan cheese. Using high heat, quickly toss all ingredients until a nice milky sauce has formed (1-2 min.).
2. Cook ziti according to package directions. Drain, but do not rinse and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss the ziti with the butter. Add ziti to the chicken and broccoli and toss gently. Add the reserve pasta water as needed and toss again. Sprinkle with remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and red flakes. Serve.
3. NOTE: You can make this dish without the chicken, Just add a little of a vegetable stock when sautéing the garlic and broccoli.