Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

A comforting weeknight dinner featuring rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and penne in a creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

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
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)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

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.
Heat olive oil and butter in your largest 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 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.

Notes

For variations, try incorporating lemon juice and basil for freshness, or mushrooms for an earthy twist. This dish pairs well with a green salad or toasted garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian