Description
A comforting and hearty meal combining tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful rotisserie chicken 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. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Stir in a small knob of cold butter just before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor and texture. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg