High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A creamy, satisfying pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz Penne pasta Great texture that holds sauces well.
- 1 whole Rotisserie chicken Convenient, flavorful, and protein-packed meat.
- 2 cups Broccoli florets Adds nutrition, color, and a satisfying crunch.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Enhances flavor and promotes heart health.
- 2 cloves Garlic Brings aromatic and savory depth.
- 1 medium Yellow onion Adds sweetness and flavor base.
- 2 tbsp Butter Provides richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Creates a luscious sauce texture.
- 1 cup Chicken broth Enhances flavor while keeping it lighter.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Offers salty nuance for a savory kick.
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese Adds gooey texture and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Infuses the dish with herbaceous warmth.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder Boosts the garlic flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes Gives a slight kick if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Rinse and chop the broccoli florets if using fresh; if frozen, have them thawed and set aside.
- Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Gather all ingredients together for efficient cooking.
Cooking
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente, around 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in the cooked penne and both cheeses, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Serving
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from the heat.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your creamy, protein-packed delight!
Notes
For a lower calorie option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Add more veggies such as spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Consider using whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.