Description
A delightful blend of tender penne pasta, succulent rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a rich and creamy 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add broccoli florets.
- Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, gently bringing to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat before adding cheeses.
- Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated. Gently fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Stir in reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until a creamy, glossy texture is reached.
- For a restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
Notes
This dish is quick to prepare and budget-friendly. Use rotisserie chicken to save time and enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, broccoli, weeknight dinner, comfort food