Description
A creamy, comforting Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta made with tender penne, juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Ingredients
Units
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 1 tbsp cold butter for finishing)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta and broccoli and set aside
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat
- Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes
- Remove skillet from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
- Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat
- Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is glossy and creamy
- Stir in 1 tbsp cold butter just before serving
Notes
Salt your pasta water generously for best flavor. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
