Creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta dish served in a bowl.

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a simple and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich and creamy sauce. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a quick meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds delicious flavors without much effort.

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 and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, 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 minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. You should see small bubbles around the edges, but do not let it boil.
Remove the 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 the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing 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 dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. It goes well with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to make it creamy again.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
You can use any type of pasta shape you prefer; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make sure to add the cheese off the heat to keep it from becoming grainy.

Variation

Feel free to swap the rotisserie chicken with cooked sausage or shrimp for a different protein option. You can also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like peas or asparagus.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the pasta and broccoli in advance. Combine everything when you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.