Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is a go-to solution for satisfying appetites and creating memorable mealtime moments.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This dish stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, especially on those hectic evenings when you need a meal fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Using a rotisserie chicken cuts back on prep time significantly, allowing you to focus on creating a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s also budget-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for families. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with wholesome veggies means even picky eaters are likely to dive in without hesitation.

“I made this for a family dinner, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds. The kids loved it, and I loved how easy it was to prepare!”

Preparing Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Making this creamy pasta dish is a breeze. Begin by boiling your penne pasta and cooking broccoli together, so they’re ready just in time for a luscious sauce. As the pasta cooks, you’ll prepare a simple yet decadent sauce featuring sautéed onions and garlic. Once combined, you’ll add in the cheeses and shredded chicken, along with the drained pasta and broccoli, making for a beautifully cohesive dish.

Cook the penne pasta: Boil salted water, then cook according to package instructions. Add broccoli for the last three minutes.
Make the sauce: Sauté onions and garlic, then stir in cream and broth before mixing in the cheeses.
Combine: Toss everything together, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To create your creamy masterpiece, gather the following 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)

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for another vegetable if you prefer, like spinach or zucchini!

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Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta effortlessly:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. During the last three minutes, toss in the broccoli florets to cook them along with the pasta.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
Sauté the diced onions for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture gently simmers.
Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Toss the drained pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
Add reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until achieving a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter for a restaurant-quality finish.

Serving Ideas

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta can be served in various delightful ways. Try topping it with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For an added twist, a light dusting of red pepper flakes can lend a touch of heat!

Storage Tips

To keep your creamy pasta dish fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just be aware that the sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. Always ensure to reheat to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Expert Advice

To achieve the best consistency, always remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess.
For extra flavor, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes after adding chicken to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors! You might try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor or swapping out mozzarella for a sharper cheese like cheddar. Need a lighter version? You could use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cream slightly.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this take to prepare?
Expect to spend about 30-40 minutes preparing and cooking this meal.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works perfectly here.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this creamy pasta is mild in flavor and appealing to kids, making it a great family dinner option.

With its simple steps and rich flavors, Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is bound to become a beloved dish on your dining table!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A delightful pasta dish combining tender penne, shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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 until al dente according to package instructions. During the last three minutes, toss in the broccoli florets to cook them along with the pasta.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
Sauté the diced onions for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture gently simmers.
Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Toss the drained pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
Add reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until achieving a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter for a restaurant-quality finish.

Notes

Feel free to swap out broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Ensure to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

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