Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is quick and easy, featuring shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli in a delightful cream sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta Use your favorite pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen
Chicken
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded) About 4 cups of meat
Sauce Ingredients
- 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) For the best flavor
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded) For creaminess
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For spice lovers
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- 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, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook 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.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combining Ingredients
- 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 for a restaurant-quality finish.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Add pasta water slowly to reach a smooth, glossy sauce. Turn off the heat before adding cheese to stop grainy sauce. If you want more vegetables, add frozen peas or chopped spinach in the last minute.