Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together flavors of juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta in a delightful creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor!

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 a 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.
Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the 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.
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding the cheese. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Then, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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.
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

Serve this creamy pasta dish hot on a plate or in a bowl. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs on top for added flavor and a nice presentation. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or extra cream to maintain its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Make sure not to let the heavy cream boil. This helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
If you like a bit of heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes; they add a nice kick.
For a thicker sauce, you can use less chicken broth or add more cheese.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish! Swap out the penne for another pasta shape like fettuccine or farfalle. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to boost the nutrition. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, any cooked chicken will work well in this recipe. Just shred or chop it before adding.

2. Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the dish.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after refrigeration.