Skillet Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli

Pasta......It's the perfect comfort food! I guess I could call myself a carb queen!  I love trying new recipes that end up being down right delicious!!

This Ziti recipe is just so yummy! And the other perk? It's super fast and easy to make!  I will definitly be making this one over and over again!

I love the brightly colored veggies!

I think this recipe is so wonderful, because the pasta cooks directly in the pan with everything else!  There is just one pot to wash! Ohh the joys of easy dinner cleanup! And another bonus--the pasta doesn't overcook!

Get out your fork! Don't you just want to take a bite?

Maybe I will just give you the recipe instead :)  It might be costly to repair the hole in your screen.

SKILLET ZITI WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I prefer chicken tenders)

Salt and Pepper

3 T. unsalted butter

1 onion, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. dried oregano (I did more)

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz. ziti (2 1/2 cups)

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

(I prefer Swanson's low sodium)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 bunch broccoli, stems removed and florets cut in 1 inch pieces

1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed and diced

1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)

(freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is always best!)

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt and pepper.  Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 12 inch skillet over medium heat.  Add the chicken and cook until it is lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 4 minutes.  Transfer the chicken to the bowl.

2. Add 1 more tablespoon of the butter, onion, red pepper flakes, oregano, and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet.  Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

3. Sprinkle the ziti evenly into the skillet.  Pour the broth and cream over the ziti.  Cover and bring to a boil, about 5 minutes.

4.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the broccoli and roasted peppers.  Cover and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta begins to soften and the broccoli turns bright green, about 8 minutes.

5. Stir in the chicken and any accumulated juice.  Cover and continue to simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.

6. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the parmesan, and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Now get that fork out and enjoy your pasta!