Description
A comforting dish featuring penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) penne pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3–4 lbs), shredded (about 4 cups meat)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 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, shredded
- 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, then add seasonings.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Fold in shredded chicken last.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 785
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 170mg