Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A quick and creamy pasta dish with tender penne, rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a silky Parmesan-mozzarella sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta Approximately 450 g
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3–4 lb), shredded About 4 cups meat or use cooked breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Finely minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Small diced
- 2 tbsp butter Plus an extra cold knob to finish
- 1 cup heavy cream Delivers the richest sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Not pre-grated for best melting
- 1/2 cup whole-milk mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Fill a large pot with water and salt it generously. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, adding broccoli florets for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
Cooking
- In a wide, heavy skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Remove from heat, whisk in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until smooth.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, folding in shredded chicken last.
- Add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Stir in a cold knob of butter before serving for a silky finish.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding broth/water as needed. Consider using frozen broccoli to save time.