Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors, Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is an excellent choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal. This dish combines tender pasta, nutritious broccoli, and shredded rotisserie chicken, all enveloped in a silky, rich cheese sauce that your family will adore. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite and will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 550
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is the epitome of convenience and comfort food. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves you time, making it perfect for busy nights. The combination of pasta and broccoli not only creates a deliciously creamy dish but also provides important nutrients for a wholesome meal. The melted cheeses add richness and depth of flavor, making your taste buds sing with delight. Plus, this dish is easily customizable—if you have leftover vegetables or want to switch up the cheeses, feel free to experiment!
How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Making this dish is straightforward and quick. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready in half an hour!
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:
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Step 1: Boiling the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
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Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Step 3: Creating the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
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Step 4: Incorporating the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Step 5: Mixing Everything Together
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
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Step 6: Achieving the Perfect Texture
Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.
How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
To serve, dish out generous portions of creamy pasta in bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley for a touch of color. This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread to round out your meal. Enjoy it with a chilled glass of white wine for a special touch!
How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of cream or broth to regain that creamy texture. This dish is not suitable for freezing, as the cream can separate upon thawing.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- To save even more time, you can prep your ingredients (shred chicken, chop vegetables) ahead of time.
- Don’t rush the cooking of the onion; allowing it to soften and become translucent enhances the flavor of the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- If you’re watching calories, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cheeses.
Delicious Variations
- Swap penne pasta for your favorite variety, such as rotini or farfalle.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for an even more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use leftover roasted chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance, and then combine and cook when ready. -
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor usually appeal to kids. You can adjust the seasonings to suit their tastes. -
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta, and be mindful of the other ingredients for any gluten content. -
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect solution for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time. With its creamy sauce and tender ingredients, it’s a delightful dish that caters to the whole family. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring tender penne, flavorful rotisserie chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a rich cheese sauce.
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
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook penne pasta until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering for 2-3 minutes until small bubbles form at the edges.
- Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing gently. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached. Stir in a knob of cold butter before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or fresh herbs before serving. This dish is easily customizable with different vegetables or pasta types.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
