Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a quick, delicious dish that the whole family will love. This comfort food combines tender penne pasta, savory rotisserie chicken, and healthy broccoli all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. I’ve made this recipe countless times, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, using a rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time significantly—it’s a game changer!

What Makes This Recipe Special

When life gets busy, having a go-to recipe like this one can make all the difference. Not only is it hearty and filling, but it’s also incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or even last-minute gatherings. Kids love it due to the cheesy, creamy sauce, and it’s a great way to sneak in some greens with the broccoli.

“I made this last night, and it was a hit! My family devoured it, and it was so easy to whip up. Definitely going into our regular dinner rotation!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is straightforward, and the process is quick. You’ll start by boiling the pasta and broccoli together, which helps keep everything perfectly cooked. After that, a creamy sauce comes together effortlessly in a skillet. You simply combine all the elements and let the flavors meld to create a cozy dish everyone will enjoy.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 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)

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences. For example, you can substitute gluten-free pasta or use a dairy-free cream alternative.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. During the final 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
4. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
5. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until you see small bubbles around the edges.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Toss in the drained pasta and broccoli, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
9. Add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. For a restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Best Way to Serve

To serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, try garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color. It pairs well with a light garden salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. For a little crunch, consider serving it alongside toasted pine nuts or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare but possible!), store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive its creamy consistency. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cheeses, as the texture may change when frozen and thawed.

Expert Advice

• Use the Right Pasta: While penne works wonderfully, you can also use fusilli or rotini, as their shapes help hold more sauce.
• Customize Your Greens: Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables such as spinach or asparagus for added nutrients and flavor.
• Watch the Heat: When adding the cheese, always remove the pan from heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

Creative Twists

This recipe allows for endless variations! Want to spice it up? Add some diced sun-dried tomatoes or swap the cheese for a pepper jack for a little heat. For a lighter fare, try adding a splash of lemon juice and zest for brightness. You can also experiment with different herbs, like using fresh thyme or even dill, for a unique flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for this dish?
Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 20-30 minutes.

Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken from previous meals works perfectly, and you can also incorporate leftover veggies.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta of your choice to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is set to become a staple in your family’s weeknight menu, combining convenience with comfort in every delicious bite!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and delicious meal combining tender penne pasta, rotisserie chicken, and healthy broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. During the final 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
4. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
5. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until you see small bubbles around the edges.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Toss in the drained pasta and broccoli, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
9. Add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. For a restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Notes

Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil for more flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner, family meal