Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta served in a bowl, garnished with herbs.

why make this recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick to prepare while adding rich flavor. The creamy sauce, loaded with broccoli and cheese, offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your pantry and preferences.

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 boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. 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 about 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture begins to simmer gently, about 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges but do not let it boil.
Remove the skillet from the heat completely before adding the cheese. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
If the sauce is too thick, add the 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 a restaurant-quality finish.

how to serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta dish hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired. You can pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.

tips to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Use fresh broccoli for a crisp texture, but frozen broccoli works well too and saves time.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

variation

For a lighter dish, you can swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. You could also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Q: Is there a substitute for rotisserie chicken?
A: You can use grilled chicken breast, leftover chicken, or even cooked shrimp for a different protein option.

Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time. Combine them before serving and reheat as needed.