Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect dish that seamlessly blends convenience and comfort. As a busy person who loves hearty meals, I often find myself reaching for rotisserie chicken; it’s versatile, flavorful, and makes cooking so much easier. This dish combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, what sets this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta apart from other dishes? First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that feels like a special treat. The use of rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also infuses the dish with savory depth. Plus, who doesn’t love creamy pasta with tender vegetables?

You can also customize it easily, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

"I made this for my family last week, and they couldn’t stop raving about the creamy sauce. Even my picky eater enjoyed it!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is as straightforward as it gets. Start by boiling your pasta and adding in the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. While that’s happening, whip up a quick and creamy sauce infused with garlic, onion, and plenty of cheese. Finally, toss everything together for a satisfying meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. Now let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

30 Easy No Bake Desserts Ebook
New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

  • ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
  • 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
  • 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
  • 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
  • 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
👉 Get the Ebook
Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 lbs, shredded, roughly 4 cups of meat)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Feel free to swap the broccoli for another vegetable or the cheeses for your favorites!

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the final three minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets.

  2. Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.

  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the largest skillet you have, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes without reaching a rolling boil.

  5. Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat completely, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

  6. Combine: Gently toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce using tongs, ensuring even coating. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.

  7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water, adding 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency. For an extra touch of luxury, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Best Way to Serve

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta can be enjoyed on its own, or you can elevate it with a few creative serving ideas. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top can add a burst of freshness.

For those who love a little crunch, serve with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements this dish wonderfully as well.

Storage Tips

Leftovers of your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creamy texture.

For long-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Always reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Expert Advice

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Don’t overcook your pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook when you toss it in the sauce.
  • Cheese Care: Be careful when adding cheese to the hot mixture; removing it from heat helps prevent grainy texture.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with vegetables. Spinach, peas, or even mushrooms can be added for a pop of flavor and nutrition.

Creative Twists

Looking to spice things up? You can try adding additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a dash of cream cheese for extra creaminess. If you’re catering to dietary needs, using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese can easily adapt the dish while maintaining delicious flavors.

Your Questions Answered

  • How long does this take to make? The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.
  • Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work, though shapes that hold sauce well like penne or rotini are ideal.
  • Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

By incorporating these simple yet effective tips, you’ll be set to enjoy a delightful meal of Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta that will leave your taste buds wanting more!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A quick and comforting dish featuring penne pasta, succulent rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (about 34 lbs, shredded, roughly 4 cups of meat)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. In the last three minutes, add the broccoli florets.
  2. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
  5. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Gently toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For extra creaminess, stir in a cold knob of butter before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family meal, rotisserie chicken

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating