If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly yet feels special, this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It effortlessly combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, homemade creamy sauce dotted with savory cheeses. This dish is pure comfort food, balancing rich creaminess with the bright bite of veggies, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is what makes this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe so approachable, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of taste, texture, and color that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Penne pasta: The tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you flavor in every bite.
- Rotisserie chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken adds incredible convenience and deep, roasted flavor without extra effort.
- Broccoli florets: They bring a fresh, green crunch and a healthy dose of vitamins, creating a nice contrast in the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its irresistible aroma and subtle depth.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, onions add a hint of sweetness and form a flavorful backbone.
- Heavy cream: This is the heart of the creamy sauce, giving it a silky smooth texture that coats everything perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory umami and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty note that melts into the sauce creating a luscious, velvety finish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey creaminess and mild flavor that complements the Parmesan without overpowering it.
- Olive oil and butter: Used for sautéing, together they build a rich flavor base while giving the sauce a luscious mouthfeel.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: These carefully chosen spices provide that classic Italian flavor profile with a gentle hint of heat.
How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and let it cook according to package instructions, but here’s a little trick — toss the broccoli florets into the boiling water during the final three minutes of cooking. This keeps them tender-crisp and vibrantly green. Before draining, reserve one cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a magic ingredient that helps you adjust the creaminess later on perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta and broccoli cook, warm olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in diced onion and let it gently soften for about five minutes until translucent and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and cook for just a minute more. This slow sauté builds a wonderfully aromatic base that’s key to the dish’s inviting flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors and slightly thicken. Once the sauce is simmering nicely, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and irresistibly creamy. Now is the time to season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This step transforms simple ingredients into a dreamy sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Chicken
Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together with the shredded rotisserie chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This final toss not only combines the flavors but ensures every forkful is coating in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add freshness, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over the top and finish with a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also brighten the dish before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs superbly with crisp green salads or light garlic bread. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while warm, crunchy bread offers a perfect vehicle to scoop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe dishes topped with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella. Pop them under the broiler for a minute or two for a golden, bubbly crust. Alternatively, plate it in a large colorful bowl for casual family-style dining, encouraging everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just remember the broccoli might soften further upon thawing, so if you prefer a firmer veggie texture, add fresh broccoli when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Stir frequently until warmed through. Microwaving works too — just go slow and stir often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that work equally well with the creamy sauce and chunky ingredients.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and a smoky depth, but you can use leftover cooked chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts shredded by hand to customize this recipe to your liking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan cheese alternative for the Parmesan and mozzarella. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
Try substituting with other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus tips, snap peas, or spinach. Just add them near the end of the pasta cooking time to keep them vibrant and crisp.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. Fresh chopped chili peppers also add a fresh, lively heat if you want a stronger kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe is proof that comfort food can be both easy and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or hosting close friends, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every creamy bite. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time!
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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a luscious creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines ease with deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Chicken
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Toss Together: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Incorporate the shredded rotisserie chicken, tossing everything together to coat well. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed. Serve the pasta hot.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the sauce creaminess and helps it cling to the pasta better.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.
