Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A delightful dish that combines savory flavors with creamy goodness, featuring tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and fresh broccoli.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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)
Protein
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- 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.
- Remove from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat.
- Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
- Serve the pasta in a bowl or plates, garnishing with extra Parmesan and pairing with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Enhance flavor with lemon zest or juice. Substitute broccoli with spinach or any seasonal veggie for customization. Top with extra cheese or herbs for a gourmet touch.