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Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat – Quick and Easy Dinner

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This creamy Chicken and Broccoli Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta bake with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy golden topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1–1½ lbs.)
  • Kosher salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta:

  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium leek, cut in half and sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

On Top:

  • 1½ cups grated mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • Pound the chicken breasts until they are ~½” thick; season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (5–6 mins per side). Remove from the pan; let rest for 5 mins, then slice into bite-sized cubes.
  • Boil the pasta until al dente (1–2 mins less than package directions), then drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the leeks in 4 tbsp butter for 1 min, then add the garlic and sauté for 1 more min. Add the broccoli and sauté for 2–3 mins until veggies are heated through and tender.
  • Stir in the flour, then gradually add the milk ¾ cup at a time, stirring to incorporate before adding more. Once all the milk is added, turn the heat to medium-high until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly. Reduce heat to medium, then add the Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the pasta and chicken. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9”x13” baking dish (or individual bakers), then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 mins until the top is deep golden brown in spots.

Notes

  • To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and replace it with extra broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  • For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red chili flakes.
  • This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorgastronomy.com/baked-ziti-recipe-without-meat-quick-and-easy-dinner/