A comforting bowl of creamy pasta featuring tender penne, rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Servings 6servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1lbpenne pasta
1wholerotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
4cupsbroccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2tbspolive oil
3clovesgarlic (minced fine)
1mediumyellow onion (diced small)
2tbspbutter
1cupheavy cream
1/2cupchicken broth (low-sodium)
1cupParmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1/2cupmozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
1tspItalian seasoning
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/4tspred pepper flakes (optional)For a bit of heat
Method
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Cooking
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes while avoiding a rolling boil.
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Gently fold the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce using tongs, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
Lastly, add the shredded rotisserie chicken.
Incorporate the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a creamy, glossy consistency. For an extra touch of richness, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
You can swap penne pasta for any preferred pasta shape. Use leftover chicken or turkey if rotisserie chicken is not available. Consider adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition, and experiment with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream over medium heat.