Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ah, my friend, gather ‘round! Today, I’m about to share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. There’s something magical about this recipe that sits right at the heart of home cooking. Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic wafting through the air while a warm, creamy pasta dish beckons to you like a cozy hug. Trust me, this dish has been a lifesaver for many busy weeknights, effortlessly transforming rotisserie chicken into something special.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, why make this dish tonight? Well, it’s downright simple and wildly satisfying. Picture this: you’ve got tender penne pasta dancing with fresh broccoli, all smothered in a velvety cream sauce. Each forkful feels like a warm embrace and the flavor is truly extraordinary. Not only does this dish come together in less than 30 minutes if you play your cards right, but it also provides a fantastic way to use that leftover rotisserie chicken, saving time and reducing waste.

And can we talk about versatility? You can adjust the heat with those red pepper flakes, swap in your favorite cheeses, or even toss in a handful of spinach if you’re feeling fancy. Every bite is a delightful explosion of taste, and let’s be honest—a creamy pasta dish like this has the uncanny ability to improve even the most hectic days.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this masterpiece to life:

• 1 lb penne pasta – This pasta shape is perfect for scooping up all that creamy goodness. You could swap it for fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded) – This is your star! That rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort, delivering tons of flavor in just a few minutes. Don’t have one? You can roast your own or use cooked chicken breast.

• 4 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, the green brings a lovely crunch and bright color to your dish. Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients too—win-win!

• 2 tbsp olive oil – A splash of good olive oil adds richness and aids in sautéing your onions to perfection.

• 3 cloves garlic (minced fine) – Garlic brings that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that makes you want to dive into the dish before it’s even plated.

• 1 medium yellow onion (diced small) – Sweet and savory; onions are our flavor base.

• 2 tbsp butter – For a luxurious finish. Butter enhances the sauce and adds a decadent touch.

• 1 cup heavy cream – This is what transforms a simple pasta dish into something creamy and dreamy. You could sub half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.

• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium) – This adds another layer of flavor without being overly salty. Use homemade if you have it!

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Freshly grated is key here; it melts beautifully and adds that nutty, cheesy backdrop.

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded) – For some melty, gooey goodness. Feel free to mix it up with fontina or gouda!

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A pinch of this blend takes it from ordinary to extraordinary.

• ½ tsp garlic powder – Layers on that garlicky flavor without the punch of fresh garlic.

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – If you want to kick it up a notch, these will do the trick!

Preparing Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. In the final 3 minutes of cooking, toss in your broccoli florets straight into that bubbling pasta water.

2. Before you drain, take a moment to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, and set them aside for now.

3. Grab your largest skillet and heat the olive oil along with the butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the diced onion and allow it to sauté for 4-5 minutes, until it’s softened and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!

4. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

5. Now pour in the heavy cream and the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer (look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil) for about 2-3 minutes.

6. Here comes a crucial step: Remove the skillet from heat completely before you add your cheese. Adding cheese while it’s too hot can lead to a grainy texture. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the mixture is completely smooth.

7. Season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

8. Gently toss in your drained pasta and broccoli, using tongs to coat every piece with that creamy goodness.

9. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last. It’s all about keeping that chicken tender and juicy.

10. Add reserved pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired creamy, glossy consistency. For that chef’s touch, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Serving suggestions

The best way to enjoy this dish is nestled in a generous bowl, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and maybe a dash of extra red pepper flakes for a little kick. Pair it with a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast, or indulge with some warm garlic bread to scoop up every creamy bite. If you feel adventurous, a side of sautéed greens like asparagus or spinach would complement this dish beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips

Now, let’s talk leftovers, shall we? You can store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish keeps well for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, a gentle warm-up on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or a touch more cream will help restore that luscious texture. If you want to freeze it, package in serving sizes and store it for up to 3 months. Just remember that cream sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, so it’s best eaten fresh.

Pro chef tips

• Prep your ingredients: Have everything chopped and measured out beforehand. It makes the cooking process a breeze!

• Sauté your spices: If you want to intensify the flavor of your Italian seasoning, toast it briefly in the oil with the onion. It’s like magic!

• Quality cheese matters: Freshly grated cheeses melt more evenly and create that wonderful smooth sauce. If you’re using pre-grated, try to choose a quality brand that doesn’t have anti-caking agents.

Creative Twists

Feeling experimental? Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap out the broccoli for sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a different veggie focus.
• Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Boost the flavor with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving.
• For a spicy twist, try adding crumbled sausage or diced jalapeños.

FAQs

• Can I make this without heavy cream?
  Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter option, though the texture will change slightly.

• How can I make this vegetarian?
  Substitute the rotisserie chicken with chickpeas or sautéed zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
  Simply add more reserved pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

• How long does it take to prepare this dish?
  From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner!

• Can I use whole wheat pasta?
  Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

This creamy dream of a dish is not just a meal; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together. It’s packed with flavor, rich in comfort, and lends itself beautifully to a bit of creativity. So grab those ingredients, don your apron, and let’s make some memories in the kitchen. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so drop your thoughts in the comments; we are all in this culinary adventure together!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

♻️ Uses leftover chicken broth40%

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

♻️ Uses leftover mozzarella cheese40%

Print Recipe

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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 600

Best Season: all year

Description

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that transforms rotisserie chicken into a luxurious meal with tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 1 lb penne pasta (or fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cooking Pasta and Broccoli

1. Cook the pasta and broccoli

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, adding the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes.
   Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
   Mark as complete

Making the Sauce

1. Sauté onions and garlic

   In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   Mark as complete

2. Add cream and broth

   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese gradually until smooth.
   Avoid adding cheese while too hot to prevent graininess.
   Mark as complete

Combining Ingredients

1. Toss everything together

   Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Gently mix in the drained pasta and broccoli, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
   Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
   Mark as complete

2. Serve

   Serve in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
   Perfect with a side salad or garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 100 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 80 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 3 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 100 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.7 mg

Phosphorus 350 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: creamy, pasta, rotisserie chicken, broccoli, comfort food