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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A comforting and satisfying dish combining tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich and creamy sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broccoli

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Chicken

  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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 of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
  • Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Cook diced onion for 4–5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
  • Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly.
  • Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
  • Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency.
  • Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.

Notes

Add freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. Customize with other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety. Serve with grated cheese on top for a gourmet touch.
Keyword Broccoli Pasta, Comfort Food, creamy pasta, Easy Dinner, Rotisserie Chicken