Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of rotisserie chicken with fresh broccoli and creamy pasta. It’s quick to prepare, especially since you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for added convenience. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring a happy family dinner.

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:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Then drain the pasta and broccoli together, and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges; do not let it boil.
5. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
7. Add reserved pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for an extra touch of richness.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. You can also accompany it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of milk or chicken broth to regain the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Make sure to reserve some pasta water. It helps achieve a creamy sauce.
• Use fresh broccoli for a vibrant color and crunch or frozen for convenience.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese according to your taste. Cheddar is a great alternative.
• If you like extra spice, add more red pepper flakes!

Variation

You can swap out the penne pasta for other types, such as rotini or fettuccine. Additionally, substitute the rotisserie chicken for grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just mix in the chicken right before serving.

2. Can I freeze Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
It’s best to eat it fresh, as creamy sauces don’t always freeze well. If you must freeze, consider freezing the elements separately.

3. What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the dish.

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A comforting pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Broccoli

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken 3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat
• 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

Cheese

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese whole milk, shredded

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Then drain the pasta and broccoli together, and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges; do not let it boil.
4. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
5. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Combining

1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly.
2. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
3. Add reserved pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency.
4. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for an extra touch of richness.

Serving

1. Serve this creamy pasta in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
2. You can also accompany it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Make sure to reserve some pasta water for a creamy sauce. Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and crunch. Adjust cheese types as desired, with cheddar being a great alternative.