Description
A comforting bowl of creamy pasta with rotisserie chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente, adding broccoli during the last three minutes.
- Reserve pasta water: Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cheeses: Remove skillet from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust consistency: Add reserved pasta water, until you reach desired consistency. Finish with a knob of butter.
Notes
Garnish with parsley or additional Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, broccoli, easy dinner, weeknight meal