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+ servings
Patricia Krouse

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A comforting and speedy pasta dish featuring tender penne, rotisserie chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broccoli
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Chicken
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded; about 4 cups 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)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. In the last three minutes of cooking, add your broccoli florets to the pot.
  2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, setting them aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Look for small bubbles around the edges, but avoid a rolling boil.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent graininess, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until you achieve a completely smooth sauce.
  6. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce.
  2. Gently fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
  3. Gradually add reserved pasta water two tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency.
  4. For that restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 32gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating. Adding lemon zest or extra spices can elevate flavor.

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