Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

There’s nothing quite like that first bite of a cozy, creamy pasta dish on a chilly evening. My go-to for when I’m craving comfort, yet pressed for time, is this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Imagine a blend of tender penne, succulent rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all embraced by a dreamy, velvety cheese sauce. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, one that’s quick enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to feel special. Trust me, your family won’t just thank you—they’ll want seconds!

Why you’ll love this recipe

What truly sets this recipe apart, besides its rich creaminess, is the simplicity combined with satisfying, hearty ingredients. Rotisserie chicken slashes prep time by a mile, allowing you to savor the flavors instead of getting bogged down in fuss. The broccoli brings a burst of color and nutrition, making it feel just a tad healthier. Plus, who doesn’t adore the combination of garlic and cheese simmering away on the stove? It fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma that brings everyone into the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner.

This dish practically revolves around your pantry staples, so it’s always just a quick grocery trip away from being on your table. And the best part? Leftovers only get better, meaning lunch tomorrow is a no-brainer! Trust me when I say this isn’t just another pasta; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s round up everything we’ll need before we dive into the cooking process:

• 1 lb penne pasta: This shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny. But if you’ve got fusilli or farfalle on hand, they’d work just as beautifully.
• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs): Shredded, it adds not just protein but deep flavor that makes this dish sing. No rotisserie? A simple poached or roasted chicken could step in splendidly.
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): For that vibrant crunch and nutritional boost. Frozen works wonders here, just remember to thaw it first.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle of liquid gold that helps sauté our aromatics and adds depth.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced fine): Because garlic in pasta isn’t just a choice; it’s essential!
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced small): This adds a sweet base flavor when sautéed until golden.
• 2 tbsp butter: For richness and that irresistible silky mouthfeel.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The star of our sauce! It makes everything creamy and luxurious. You could use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the cream is definitely worth it.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium): To tailor the flavor of our sauce without overwhelming it with sodium.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Always go for freshly grated; it melts beautifully and isn’t coated in anti-caking agents.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded): Adds that gooey stretchiness we all crave.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give it that homey Italian flair.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A little extra garlic punch never hurt anyone!
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a hint of heat, toss them in, but the dish is still delightful without it.

Preparing Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente according to package directions. With about 3 minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets directly into the bubbling pasta water. This way, they cook perfectly and stay bright green.
2. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold for our sauce later! Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
3. In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until it softens and starts to become translucent. Then add in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, can you smell that already?
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles on the edges, nothing aggressive!
5. Before you add the cheese, take the skillet off the heat. This is key! Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until it’s completely smooth. Then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and if you’re bold, the red pepper flakes.
6. Gently toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce with tongs, coating everything evenly before folding in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
7. Now, for the finishing touch: add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until you reach that creamy, glossy consistency that dreams are made of. Just before serving, throw in a cold knob of butter for that luxurious restaurant-quality finish.

Best way to enjoy it

When it comes to serving, a simple, rustic bowl will elevate the experience. Consider garnishing with a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for a delightful touch. Pair it with a crisp side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Crusty garlic bread on the side wouldn’t be a bad idea, either!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a touch of brightness and color right at the end—like confetti for your taste buds!

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to reactivate that creamy goodness.

Want to stock up for later? This pasta can be frozen, but I recommend doing so before adding the cheeses and chicken. Just assemble the pasta and broccoli with sauce, let it cool completely, and store in freezer-friendly containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then follow the cheese instructions above!

Helpful cooking tips

• Keep your pasta slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
• I always reserve that pasta water! It’s the secret to a creamy consistency.
• If you’ve got the time, savor the process. Cooking should be enjoyable, not just a race to the finish line!

Creative Twists

Feeling like switching it up? Swap in different veggies—sautéed spinach, sweet peas, or even bell peppers could all bring delightful variations. For a twist on flavors, try adding a splash of lemon juice for zing, or even some cooked pancetta or bacon for that smoky depth.

FAQs

• What’s the prep time?
  About 10-15 minutes if you’re quick with chopping! The cooking time rounds out at about 20-30 minutes.

• Can I make this gluten-free?
  Absolutely! Just substitute the penne with a gluten-free pasta option.

• How can I make it lighter?
  Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat version instead.

• Can I use a different protein?
  Sure! Shredded turkey, cooked sausage, or chickpeas would also be fantastic in this dish.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?
  Beyond a shadow of a doubt! The creamy cheese sauce is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

There’s so much joy in creating a plate of creamy goodness that feels as comforting as it tastes. I hope you give this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta a try. Play around with it, make it your own, and remember: cooking is like a dance—sometimes, you just have to feel the rhythm and improvise! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 45 hrs

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish featuring penne pasta, rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta (Can substitute with fusilli or farfalle.)
• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs) (Shredded; alternative could be poached or roasted chicken.)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (Fresh or frozen; if frozen, thaw before using.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (Alternatively, use half-and-half for a lighter option.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ¹⁄₂ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) (Use whole milk mozzarella for best results.)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (Optional for heat.)

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
   With about 3 minutes left, add the broccoli florets.
   Mark as complete
2. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water and then drain the pasta and broccoli; set aside.
   The starchy water is important for the sauce consistency.
   Mark as complete

Making the Sauce

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat, sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds.
   Ensure the garlic doesn't burn.
   Mark as complete
2. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
   Remove from heat before adding cheeses to prevent clumping.
   Mark as complete
3. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and then add seasonings.
   Mark as complete

Combining

1. Toss the drained pasta and broccoli with the sauce, then fold in the shredded chicken.
   Add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
   Mark as complete

Serving

1. Serve in rustic bowls with extra Parmesan and pepper, alongside a salad or garlic bread.
   Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 55g19%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 70 mg

Calcium 500 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 30 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.6 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.6 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 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

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins for variations.

Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, broccoli pasta