Description
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish that combines rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3–4 lbs, shredded to yield about 4 cups meat)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cold butter (for finishing)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
- Remove the skillet completely from the heat. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is completely smooth and the cheese has melted. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Using tongs, toss everything gently to coat evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring between additions, until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in the final tablespoon of cold butter just before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute different vegetables based on your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, Pasta, Chicken, Broccoli, Creamy Sauce