Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—rich, cheesy, and ready in just 35 minutes. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy, while simple pantry staples transform into a restaurant-quality dish. Tender penne pasta, crisp broccoli, and shredded chicken come together in a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

It’s a satisfying, creamy, protein-packed dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Every bite delivers layers of flavor: sharp Parmesan, melty mozzarella, aromatic garlic, and Italian herbs, all coating perfectly cooked pasta and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes using rotisserie chicken.
• Creamy and comforting – A rich sauce made with cream, butter, and cheeses.
• Balanced meal – Pasta, chicken, and broccoli provide protein, carbs, and fiber.
• Family-friendly – Mild, cheesy, and customizable for kids or adults.
• Minimal cleanup – One skillet for the sauce, one pot for pasta and broccoli.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels or swap cheeses to taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Pasta & Protein

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3–4 lbs), shredded (~4 cups meat)

Vegetables

• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, whole milk
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Finish

• Additional butter for extra shine and richness

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta and broccoli
• Colander
• Large skillet for sauce
• Cheese grater
• Whisk
• Tongs or large spoon

A heavy skillet helps create a smooth, even sauce without scorching. Reserving pasta water ensures the sauce stays glossy and creamy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.

During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets directly to the pot.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Avoid boiling; small bubbles around the edges are ideal.

Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess.

4. Add Cheese & Seasonings

Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth.

Season with:

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

5. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, & Chicken

Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly.

Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last to maintain moisture and flavor.

6. Adjust Consistency

Add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, glossy consistency.

Optional: stir in a small knob of cold butter just before serving for extra richness and shine.

Flavor Profile & Texture

• Creamy and cheesy – Parmesan and mozzarella create a silky, rich coating.
• Tender pasta & chicken – Perfectly cooked, with the rotisserie chicken adding convenience and flavor.
• Crisp broccoli – Adds freshness and a pop of green to the dish.
• Balanced aromatics – Garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning complement the richness.
• Optional spice – Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Variations: Add spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes for a more robust heat.
• Make-Ahead: Cook pasta and broccoli ahead; store separately and combine with sauce and chicken before serving.
• Leftover Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover roasted chicken.

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 535 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: varies depending on cheese and broth

This pasta is rich in protein and balanced with carbs and vegetables, making it a satisfying dinner option.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Pasta dishes with cream sauces freeze well, though texture is best when consumed fresh or reheated gently.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli only?
Yes, just steam or blanch until tender before adding to pasta.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free penne pasta. Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free.

What type of rotisserie chicken works best?
Any standard store-bought rotisserie chicken works; using both dark and white meat provides the best flavor.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	15 min
Cook Pasta & Broccoli	10–12 min
Sauté Aromatics & Build Sauce	5–7 min
Combine Pasta, Chicken, & Sauce	3–5 min
Total	35 min

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Optional accompaniments:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Light side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness

Ingredient Spotlight

Rotisserie Chicken: Provides convenience and rich flavor without extra cooking time.

Pasta Water: Adds starch to the sauce, helping it cling to pasta for a creamy, glossy finish.

Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds sharpness, while mozzarella contributes melty, gooey texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess.
• Gradually add pasta water to achieve perfect creaminess.
• Use both white and dark meat from rotisserie chicken for richer flavor.
• Finish with a knob of butter for a restaurant-quality shine and texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: 3 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing: Freeze without fresh herbs for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in skillet with a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain sauce consistency.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	535 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	50 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	varies

Dietary Notes: High-protein, family-friendly, easily adaptable to low-sodium or gluten-free diets.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines convenience and comfort in one dish. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken and simple pantry staples makes it fast and easy, while the creamy, cheesy sauce elevates it to something special.

This dish balances protein, vegetables, and carbs in a flavorful, satisfying way, making it ideal for busy families, meal prep, or an indulgent dinner at home. Simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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