Description
A delightful meal that combines tender noodles, nutritious broccoli, and flavorful rotisserie chicken in a rich and creamy sauce, 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 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. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Save 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Set them aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat everything. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Just before serving, mix in a small knob of cold butter for an extra touch of richness.
Notes
Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, chicken, broccoli, weeknight dinner