ZITI WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI

Ziti With Chicken and Broccoli image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, about 1 pound
1 bunch broccoli, about 1 1/4 pounds
Salt to taste
3/4 pound cut ziti
2 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
3 red ripe tomatoes, about 1 pound, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
1/8 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes, optional
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese

Steps:

Place the chicken breasts one at a time on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the breasts in half, then lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/2-inch thick.
Cut the broccoli into florets, peel the stems and cut them into thin slices.
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli. Cook for 3 minutes. Do not overcook; the broccoli must remain crisp. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
Bring the reserved cooking liquid to a boil and add the ziti. Stir and cook according to package directions. The pasta should be al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 1 minute. Add the garlic, stir and cook briefly; do not brown. Add the tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the cream, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the broccoli and the pasta into the tomato mixture. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, add the parsley and cheese and toss well for 1 minute while cooking. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 778, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 82 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 1237 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams