Follow Me On Social Media!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
When it comes to easy, delicious weeknight meals, Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta ticks all the boxes. With tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the penne, this dish is as comforting as it is satisfying. Whether you’ve had a long day or are simply craving something hearty and fulfilling, this recipe is a fantastic option that many families turn to time and time again.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
This recipe shines in several areas that make it a must-try. First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—thanks to the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can have it on the table in around 30 minutes! It’s also budget-friendly, using ingredients you might already have on hand while offering generous servings that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
There’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish to bring the family together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal. Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this pasta dish doesn’t just satisfy; it nourishes.
"Absolutely my go-to for a quick weeknight meal! My kids love it, and I feel good knowing they’re getting their veggies. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!" — A Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Making Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by cooking your penne, then progress through sautéing aromatics and creating a silky sauce that brings the dish to life. Finally, you’ll combine everything into a heavenly creamy pasta that’s ready to be devoured.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this creamy delight, you’ll need:
🍰 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
- 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 shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
(Feel free to swap out the pasta type or cheese varieties based on your preference or dietary needs!)
Preparation Steps
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
-
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
-
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes—look for small bubbles around the edges.
-
Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheeses to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
-
Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce, using tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
-
Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a creamy, glossy consistency. For that restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
Best Way to Serve
Serve your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in large, shallow bowls. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top can elevate the dish further. Pair it with a light green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any leftover creamy goodness on the plate.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet on medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. This dish can also be frozen, although the texture may change slightly. If freezing, consider storing in individual portions for easy access later.
Pro Chef Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider roasting your broccoli instead of boiling it. This gives it a lovely char and added depth.
- If you want a bit more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Always reserve a bit of that starchy pasta water; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Creative Twists
- Swap out the broccoli for spinach or kale for a different nutritional boost.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- For a healthier spin, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation and cooking time is about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work perfectly in this recipe, giving you more flexibility.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or try non-dairy alternatives, ensuring they can be heated without curdling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep most of the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors and homey comfort that will leave you and your family asking for seconds! Enjoy your creamy creation!
Print
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting and satisfying creamy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 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 shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheeses to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce, using tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider roasting your broccoli instead of boiling it. This dish can be made lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy recipe



