Creamy Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A comforting one-skillet pasta dish featuring tender broccoli and rich Parmesan-mozzarella sauce, made easy with shredded rotisserie chicken and starchy pasta water.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Not pre-shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Whole milk preferred
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- Cook 1 lb penne according to package directions until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before you drain, scoop out and reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water into a measuring cup.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In your largest skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes — look for small bubbles around the edge, not a boil.
- Remove the skillet completely from heat. Whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella until smooth.
- Season with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
Combining Pasta and Chicken
- Add the drained penne and broccoli to the creamy sauce.
- Use tongs to toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last so it warms without becoming dry.
- Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy, glossy consistency.
- Finish by stirring in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a silky sheen.
Notes
This dish is great for weeknight dinners and can be customized with lighter options or variations like adding lemon for brightness.