Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

INTRODUCTION

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any night of the week. This dish combines tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet tasty enough to impress your family and friends. You can have it ready in no time, making it a favorite in many homes. Plus, the best part is that it uses store-bought rotisserie chicken, which saves you time on cooking the chicken from scratch.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons why you will love Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. First, it is quick to make, especially with the help of a rotisserie chicken. You can have a full meal on the table in about 30 minutes. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, making every bite enjoyable. The combination of pasta, chicken, and broccoli gives you a nice mix of flavors and textures. The dish is also quite versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s preferences. Finally, this recipe is a great way to sneak in some veggies while still being satisfying and comforting.

HOW TO MAKE Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To begin, gather all of your equipment and ingredients. This will set you up for success and make the cooking process smooth. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully to create a creamy, delicious meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, you will need the following equipment:

• A large pot for boiling pasta
• A large skillet for making the sauce
• A measuring cup
• A cutting board
• A knife
• Tongs or a large spoon for mixing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 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)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly into the pasta water. This will cook the broccoli just right, keeping it tender yet crisp.

2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before you drain the pasta and broccoli, be sure to save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is packed with flavor and helps to create a creamy sauce later.

3. Drain the Pasta and Broccoli: Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander and set them aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add Cream and Broth: Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges but try to avoid a rolling boil.

6. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat completely. This step is important to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

7. Combine and Serve: Gently add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Using tongs, toss everything together to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving to give it a restaurant-quality finish.

---

---

HOW TO SERVE Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is best served warm. You can enjoy it as is, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some fresh, crusty bread. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley can also make the dish look beautiful and add a hint of freshness.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the pasta looks dry, add a little chicken broth or reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.

If you’d like to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This pasta dish is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to make a complete meal. You might also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. If you like a little spice, serve with a side of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy some heat.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to mix things up by changing the ingredients in this recipe. For instance, you can use different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle. Instead of rotisserie chicken, you could use leftover turkey or cooked shrimp. You can even add more vegetables, like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, which will still provide a creamy texture without adding too many calories.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking time, just like fresh broccoli.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add more vegetables or even some beans for protein.

3. What type of pasta can I use?
You can use any pasta you like; penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti all work well.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While freshly grated cheese melts better and has a smoother texture, you can use pre-shredded cheese if you wish.

---

---

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the pasta and broccoli earlier in the day and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also make the creamy sauce ahead and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the sauce and combine it with the already-cooked pasta and broccoli. This will save you time and make dinner even easier.

With these steps, you can whip up Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta any night of the week. Enjoy your meal!

Print