Mom’s chicken and broccoli baked ziti✨

Mom’s chicken and broccoli baked ziti✨

For the Chicken:▪️2 Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1-1+1/2 lbs.)▪️Kosher Salt & Pepper▪️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▪️1/4 Cup Flour▪️4 Cups 2% Milk▪️1+1/2 tsp Kosher Salt▪️1/2 tsp Pepper▪️1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg▪️1 Dash Cayenne Pepper▪️1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese▪️

On Top:▪️1+1/2 Cups Grated Mozzarella▪️1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese▪️

🌱Vegan Modification: Sub in olive oil for butter, unsweetened oat milk for milk, plant based cheese for mozzarella, nutritional yeast for parmesan, and leave out the chicken

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta
2️⃣ Pound the chicken breasts until they are ~1/2” thick; season with salt and pepper on both sides
3️⃣ Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 Tbsp of butter with 1 Tbsp olive oil; place the chicken on the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F (5-6 mins per side) then remove from the pan; let rest for 5 mins then slice into bite size cubes
4️⃣ Boil pasta until al dente (1-2 mins less than package directions) then drain and set aside
5️⃣ In a large pot preheated 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 more mins until veggies are heated through and tender
6️⃣ Stir in the flour and then add the milk 3/4 cups at a time, stirring to incorporate before adding more; once all the milk is added, turn the heat up to medium high until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly then turn the heat back down to medium and add the parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne
7️⃣ Turn off the heat and stir in the pasta and chicken, then transfer into a greased 9”x13” baking dish (or individual bakers) and top with mozzarella and parmesan
8️⃣ Bake uncovered for 20-25 mins until the top is deep golden brown in spots and enjoy!

⏲10 minute prep time + 45 minute cook time

Recipe serves 6-8 people (makes great leftovers!)