Print

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy and comforting dish featuring tender pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

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
  • 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

  1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the water to cook along with the pasta.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water in a measuring cup.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Combine everything: Add the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
  7. Add reserved pasta water: Add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.