Description
This dish marries tender, shredded rotisserie chicken with oodles of penne pasta, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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 low-sodium chicken broth
- 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat before adding the cheeses. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the creamy sauce, tossing gently until well coated. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Incorporate reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until reaching the desired creamy consistency. Finish with a knob of butter before serving.
Notes
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a crisp green salad, and garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, broccoli, quick dinner, family meal