Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a tasty and easy dish that you can prepare any night of the week. It combines flavorful chicken, fresh broccoli, and hearty pasta in a creamy sauce that everyone will love. Using rotisserie chicken saves you time and allows you to make a delicious meal without much effort. This dish is great for families or gatherings, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comfort food classic in a quick and simple manner.
How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
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 chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until it softens, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, looking for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
- Remove the skillet from the heat completely before adding the cheese. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until they are completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, using tongs to toss everything together evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you get a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving to give it a restaurant-quality finish.
How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This pasta dish is great on its own but can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a more complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy a comforting dinner with family and friends!
How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- To save even more time, shred the rotisserie chicken ahead of time or use any leftover chicken you have.
- Make sure not to boil the cream sauce; keep it at a simmer to avoid separation.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variation
If you want to change things up, try using different pasta shapes or substituting the chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein. You can also add lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking with the pasta.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add a little liquid when reheating to keep it creamy.
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful and easy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
- 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 the package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until it softens, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat completely before adding the cheese. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing everything together evenly, and fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
- Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
Notes
To save time, shred the rotisserie chicken ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy, rotisserie chicken