Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is the perfect weeknight meal, combining convenience with comfort. Made with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it brings together the savory flavors of shredded rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and al dente penne pasta in a luxurious, creamy sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for meal prep options, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Imagine a dinner that checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta doesn’t just come together in under 30 minutes, but it also transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into a new family favorite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet effortless. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that kids and adults alike can enjoy, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

"This dish was a huge hit with my family! So easy to make and absolutely delicious. I’ll be adding it to our regular rotation!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a breeze! You’ll start by cooking your penne pasta and broccoli together, which saves time and dirty dishes. Meanwhile, you’ll whip up a rich sauce with sautéed onions and garlic, then combine everything before finishing with the shredded chicken. It’s all about timing and a few simple techniques to create a satisfying meal that packs a punch.

What You’ll Need

  • 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 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)

Feel free to swap in frozen broccoli if you’re short on fresh. It works just as well and makes this dish even easier!

Cooking Steps

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
  4. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
  5. Sauté the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken.
  9. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy, glossy finish, then add a cold knob of butter for that restaurant-quality touch before serving.

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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Best Way to Serve

Serve your creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta as is, or elevate it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of extra red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread for a balanced meal. You can also toast some pine nuts to sprinkle on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Storage Tips

To keep your creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta fresh, cool it to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Helpful Hints

  • To avoid graininess in your cheese sauce, make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding your cheeses.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting quality.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.

Creative Twists

This dish is a great canvas for creativity! You can easily add different vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based protein. For a southwestern twist, add some black beans, corn, and a dash of taco seasoning.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta?

This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect, any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni will work well.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Make sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for longer storage.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, storing them separately. Combine it all just before serving for best results.

Dig in and enjoy your homemade creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta; it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Print
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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A quick and delicious creamy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (34 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 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)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
  4. In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
  5. Sauté the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken.
  9. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy, glossy finish, then add a cold knob of butter before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal

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