Description
A comforting and quick pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, 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 (plus an extra cold knob for finishing)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and salt it well. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add penne and cook per package directions until just shy of al dente. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add broccoli to blanch.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and broccoli together.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Raise the heat slightly to bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Add Parmesan and mozzarella, whisk until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a glossy consistency.
- Off the heat, stir in a cold knob of butter for a smooth finish. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter swap, use low-fat milk with cornstarch instead of heavy cream. Add lemon zest for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, quick dinner, comfort food, weeknight meals