Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced small; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Shredded rotisserie chicken (amount as desired); A small knob of cold butter (for finish)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender flavors. This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not only delicious but also a convenient meal that can turn any hectic weeknight into a culinary delight. The combination of succulent rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious sauce creates a dish that will leave you craving more.

Whether you are looking for a quick family dinner, a meal prep option, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into what makes this pasta dish so special and how you can whip it up in no time at all.

Why Make This Recipe

Quick and easy: With rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect for incorporating seasonal vegetables and adjusting flavors to suit your cravings.
Comforting: The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness provide the ultimate comfort food experience.

This creamy pasta is a tasty solution for those busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Easy Method for Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

When preparing this delightful creamy dish, the process is easy and straightforward. Let’s walk through it step by step, maximizing flavor while keeping it simple.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Here’s a little tip: during the last three minutes of cooking, throw in the 4 cups of broccoli florets—either fresh or frozen. This makes sure your broccoli is tender and perfectly cooked without the hassle of extra pans. After the cooking time is up, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining everything together.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In your largest skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted and bubbling, add 1 medium yellow onion, diced small. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and turn translucent. This brings out the sweetness of the onion. Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing your kitchen with a mouthwateringly delicious aroma.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, looking for small bubbles around the edges—this takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s essential not to rush this step as too high of a heat can prevent the cream from thickening properly.

Step 4: Add in the Cheeses

Once your sauce is warming up beautifully, remove the skillet from heat. Here’s a pro tip: removing it from the heat before adding the cheese helps prevent a grainy texture. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a hint of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for some heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

At this stage, fold in the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce mixture using tongs to gently toss everything together. The goal here is to ensure every piece is coated evenly in that delicious sauce. Finally, add in the shredded rotisserie chicken, ensuring it’s well-distributed throughout.

To achieve that perfect creamy consistency, incorporate the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring until you reach the desired level of creaminess. For an extra touch, stir in a small cold knob of butter just before serving. This step creates a glossy finish that adds a professional touch to your dish.

Storage Tips for Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you find yourself with leftovers (or you’re a smart planner who made double), here’s how to keep your pasta dish fresh:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F or lower.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or extra chicken broth to reintroduce creaminess lost during storage.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Getting to the serving part of this meal is where the real fun begins! Here are some delightful ways to present and share this dish:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top to add freshness and vibrant color.
Cheese Lovers Delight: Provide extra Parmesan on the side for those who want to kick up the cheesy factor.
Side Salad: Pair with a crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to scoop up any remaining creamy sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Here are some quick tips to elevate your dish:

Use fresh broccoli for a brighter flavor, or frozen for convenience.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it’s a great way to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
For added protein, consider adding cooked, crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
If you love spices, feel free to incorporate more red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to personalize the heat.

Variations or Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you prefer greens over broccoli, try substituting with:

Spinach or Kale: These greens wilt beautifully into the sauce and provide additional nutrients.
Zucchini: Sautéed zucchini rounds could also make a delicious swap for the broccoli.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider swapping out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even low-fat milk—and maybe use a combination of Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess with fewer calories.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance without compromising flavor. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Absolutely! Shredded chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during cooking to amp up the heat.

Q: Can I substitute the pasta?
A: You can use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even alternatives like chickpea and lentil pasta to cater to different dietary needs.

Q: What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
A: You can use any pre-cooked chicken, or quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs in the skillet before starting the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta has quickly become a staple in my household, celebrating the joy of comfort food while being practical for busy schedules. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can serve a hearty and flavorful meal to your loved ones, making their dinner experience truly special.

The blend of creamy cheese, tender rotisserie chicken, and bright broccoli is a reminder that even on the busiest days, a great meal doesn’t have to be a complicated endeavor. Let this recipe inspire you to gather around the table and enjoy delicious food made with love.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, start cooking, and indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy deliciousness tonight!