Description

A quick and delicious one-pot pasta dish featuring creamy cheese sauce, rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

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 chicken broth (low-sodium)
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

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
During the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss the broccoli florets into the boiling pasta water.
Before draining, carefully save 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, and then add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until it gently simmers, about 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles at the edges, but do not let it boil.
Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss gently with tongs. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Slowly add the reserved pasta water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until you achieve a creamy, glossy finish.
For a restaurant-quality touch, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Notes

Monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking. Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier texture. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, creamy chicken, broccoli, quick dinner, one-pot meal