Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of creamy cheese sauce with tender rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need to whip up something quick yet satisfying. This dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a favorite among families and anyone craving a cozy pasta meal.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 510
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Why Make This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect quick-fix meal. Using a rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also enriches the dish with flavor and moisture. The combination of tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce brings comfort to your dinner table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables without anyone complaining. Your loved ones will appreciate the balance of flavors and the creamy texture that just seems to wrap you in a cozy hug.

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Preparation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 1 lb of penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the 4 cups of broccoli florets directly to the pasta water to blanch them perfectly alongside the pasta.

Step 2: Mixing

Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later for the perfect creamy consistency. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside for now.

Step 3: Cooking

In your largest skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, letting the mixture come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Avoid a rolling boil to keep the cream smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat completely before whisking in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella until smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Gently toss the drained pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, using tongs to coat everything evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken. For that perfect creamy finish, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a glossy texture. Stir in a little cold knob of butter just before serving to elevate the flavor and make it extra luxurious.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements it beautifully. This pasta is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cut broccoli or frozen broccoli florets, which are just as nutritious.
• For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but be cautious with the heat to prevent curdling.
• Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Delicious Variations

• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake: Transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden.
• Spicy Chicken Pasta: Mix in sautéed bell peppers and a hint of hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade rotisserie chicken?
  Yes! Any cooked chicken will work, but rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and convenience.

• Can I use other pasta shapes?
  Absolutely! Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work well in this recipe.

• What if I don’t have heavy cream?
  You can substitute with a combination of milk and a little melted butter or use sour cream for a tangy flavor.

• Is this dish family-friendly?
  Yes! The creaminess and flavor appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to include veggies.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare everything and assemble it, then just heat it through when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It brings together comforting flavors that are sure to please everyone at your dinner table. With easy preparation and delicious results, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to create a memorable meal. So grab your ingredients and make this pasta dish tonight—you won’t regret it!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Protein-rich

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Description

A delightful dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, adding the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer gently. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Gently toss pasta and broccoli in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken.
6. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use pre-cut or frozen broccoli to save time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg