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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Caroline

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with tender penne, juicy shredded chicken, and broccoli tossed in a rich Parmesan-cream sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4 cups meat)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • colander
  • Cheese grater
  • whisk
  • tongs or large spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente.
  2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
  4. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  5. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
  9. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  10. Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
  11. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
  12. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  13. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Removing the sauce from heat before adding cheese prevents graininess. Using both white and dark rotisserie chicken meat improves flavor. Add pasta water gradually to control sauce texture. Finish with a small knob of cold butter for extra shine.