This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta recipe is a favorite in my house. It’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. When I whip up this dish, I always think of those cherished moments at the dinner table with my family.
My dad James used to say that a good pasta dish could make any day better. I remember sitting with him, sharing stories and laughter while savoring comforting meals together. Now, I pass that legacy on by making this recipe for my loved ones.
Your Ingredients List
- 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)
My Go-To Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer for draining
- Large skillet for sautéing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk for mixing
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly.
- Fold in 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 restaurant-quality finish.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can easily add more veggies to this dish, such as chopped bell peppers, spinach, or peas. For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta and use a low-fat cream option. If you want to cut down on calories, consider using less cheese or swapping out some heavy cream for more chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
Serve this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta with a side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Fresh bread or garlic bread on the side is also a great choice. For a special touch, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Getting It Just Right
To ensure your sauce is perfectly creamy, be mindful when adding the cheese. Remove your skillet from the heat before you whisk in the cheese to avoid a grainy texture. Adding reserved pasta water will help achieve the desired creamy consistency, so take your time with that step.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating.
Enjoy Every Moment
I love how this dish brings everyone together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering of friends, creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is sure to please. Enjoy the smiles and stories that come with every bite!
A Few Common Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for the creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it and add it to the sauce as you would with the rotisserie chicken.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
You can use any pasta shape you have on hand! Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work well in this creamy sauce.
How spicy is the creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the dish nicely. If you prefer no spice at all, feel free to omit them completely.
Print
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting and quick pasta dish made with rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly.
- Fold in 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 restaurant-quality finish.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cream. You can also add more veggies to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, rotisserie chicken, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, family meal