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–+ servings

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A delightful, quick one-pot meal combining rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen

Chicken and Cream

  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded) about 4 cups meat
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced small
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Cheeses

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese whole milk, shredded

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 in a measuring cup.
  • 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, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
  • Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Combining Ingredients

  • Add the 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

For an even creamier texture, use a combination of cream and cream cheese. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or spinach, for extra nutrients and color. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, top the pasta with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions before serving. For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and use less cheese. Replace heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a healthier alternative without sacrificing too much creaminess.