Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to warm the soul, and this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta does just that. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s a dish that can turn any weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking a quick meal or a pasta lover looking for a versatile recipe, this one’s for you. Perfectly creamy and satisfying, you’ll find yourself reaching for this dish again and again.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This creamy pasta dish stands out for its irresistible blend of flavors and convenience. It marries the rich, savory taste of rotisserie chicken with the nourishing crunch of broccoli, all enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. With familiar ingredients and approachable cooking methods, this dish becomes a family favorite in no time.

“I made this for my kids, and they devoured it! It’s so creamy and comforting—definitely a new weekly staple!” – Happy Home Chef

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this dish is a breeze and can easily be broken down into a few simple steps. First, you’ll cook the pasta and broccoli together, creating a time-saving one-pot base. Next, whip up your creamy sauce right in the skillet, incorporating the shredded rotisserie chicken for a hearty addition. Finally, combine everything with finesse and enjoy a meal that’s both fulfilling and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, 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 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 the penne for your preferred pasta shape or use a different type of cheese according to your taste!

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Cooking Steps

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. During the last three minutes, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water with the pasta.

2. Reserve pasta water: Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli together.

3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In your largest skillet over medium-low heat, combine olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles forming around the edges.

5. Add the cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat to avoid graininess, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.

7. Adjust consistency: Add the reserved pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired creamy, glossy consistency. Finish with a cold knob of butter for that restaurant-quality touch.

Tips for Serving

To present your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta beautifully, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan. You can serve it with crusty garlic bread for dipping or alongside a light salad to balance the richness. A glass of white wine also pairs nicely, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Best Way to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To keep your creamy pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last 3-4 days, but remember that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the original creaminess.

Expert Advice

• Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: This starchy liquid is key to achieving that silky sauce. It helps bind everything without making the mixture too runny.

• Use fresh cheese: Grating your Parmesan and mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded will yield a smoother sauce and a more robust flavor.

• Control the heat: When adding the cheese to the sauce, ensure your skillet is off the heat to prevent curdling, keeping the dish perfectly creamy.

Creative Twists

Looking to add a unique touch? Consider these variations for your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta:

• Different veggies: Swap the broccoli for spinach, peas, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.

• Add spice: Kick up the flavor by tossing in cooked Italian sausage or bacon.

• Herbs and seasonings: Fresh basil or thyme can add a refreshing taste and elevate the dish further!

Your Questions Answered

• What is the prep time for this recipe? This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-30 minutes to cook, making it a quick option for busy nights.

• Can I use something other than rotisserie chicken? Yes! Leftover grilled chicken or turkey works wonderfully, or you can prepare fresh chicken in advance.

• Is it safe to freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you reheat, check that the heated internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is about more than just great taste; it will quickly become a comforting staple in your recipe collection that you turn to again and again. Enjoy making it and sharing with your loved ones!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting bowl of creamy pasta with rotisserie chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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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 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)

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente, adding broccoli during the last three minutes.
2. Reserve pasta water: Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cheeses: Remove skillet from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
7. Adjust consistency: Add reserved pasta water, until you reach desired consistency. Finish with a knob of butter.

Notes

Garnish with parsley or additional Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread or salad.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, broccoli, easy dinner, weeknight meal