Description
A quick and delicious creamy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3–4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
- Sauté the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken.
- Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy, glossy finish, then add a cold knob of butter before serving.
Notes
Serve with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal