Ingredients

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 low-sodium chicken broth

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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.

Step 2: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges without a rolling boil.

Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 6: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.

Step 7: Stir in reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy, glossy consistency. For a restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture or frozen broccoli for convenience—just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Add crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer a bit more heat.

Swap penne pasta with rotini, fusilli, or your favorite shape to mix things up.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it is fully cooked and shredded before adding to the pasta.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli directly in the pasta water?

Absolutely. Adding frozen broccoli in the last few minutes of pasta cooking softens it while retaining nutrients and color.

Dinner

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Introduction