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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta, rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (34 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 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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest 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.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
  7. Stir in reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you achieve a creamy, glossy consistency.
  8. Incorporate a small knob of cold butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner