1-First step: Cook the pasta Start by cooking 1/3 pound pasta according to the package directions. Use a medium or large pot of salted water, and cook it until just tender. You want the pasta ready when the sauce is done, so keep an eye on the timing. Before draining, save a small splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

2-Second step: Soften the onion While the pasta cooks, chop 1/3 onion. Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons butter. Once the butter melts, add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring now and then. The onion should soften and turn fragrant, but it does not need to brown. This step lays down the base flavor for the whole dish.

3-Third step: Add mushrooms and broccoli Slice 3 medium cremini mushrooms and add them to the skillet. Then add 2 cups broccoli, cut into florets. Cook for another 2 minutes. The vegetables should still have a little bite, since they will cook a bit more in the sauce. This keeps the final dish bright and fresh instead of mushy.

4-Fourth step: Stir in the chicken Take 1 chicken breast from rotisserie chicken and slice it into small pieces. Add the chicken to the pan and stir it in with the vegetables. Because the chicken is already cooked, you only need to warm it through. If you want to make the most of leftover chicken, this is a smart way to use it up without drying it out.

5-Fifth step: Build the cream sauce Pour in 1 cup cream and bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a little and lets the flavors come together. Keep stirring gently so nothing sticks to the bottom of the skillet.

6-Sixth step: Add cheese and pasta Lower the heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and freshly grated pepper to taste. Then add the drained pasta and mix everything well until the noodles are coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a spoonful of the reserved pasta water. If it looks too loose, give it another minute over low heat.

7-Final step: Serve and garnish Spoon the pasta into bowls and serve right away. Top with chopped green onions and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. That little bit of fresh garnish makes the dish look and taste even better. This is the kind of dinner that feels cozy on a chilly night, but it is quick enough for any busy weekday.