Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a simple and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
- 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 chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese whole milk, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges.
- Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in 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 creamy sauce and toss gently to coat. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a lovely finish.
Notes
This dish is great on its own, but can also be served with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley on top will enhance the presentation.