Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Rich, creamy pasta with rotisserie chicken and broccoli, perfect for a comforting dinner in under 40 minutes.
# Ingredients List:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
16 oz penne pasta
02 -
4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
→ Protein
03 -
1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs), shredded (about 4 cups meat)
→ Aromatics and Fats
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
07 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Sauce
08 -
240 ml heavy cream
09 -
120 ml low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Cheese
13 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
1/2 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Maintain small bubbles around the edges for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
04 -
Remove skillet from heat. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
05 -
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
06 -
Add reserved pasta water two tablespoons at a time until sauce reaches a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a rich finish.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Remove sauce from heat before adding cheeses to prevent grainy texture. Use both white and dark meat from rotisserie chicken for enhanced flavor. Gradually add pasta water to control sauce thickness.