Simple Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the sound of boiling pasta water on a busy weeknight. This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting hug on a plate, and it’s been a family favorite for its ease and flavor. You can whip it up in no time, and who doesn’t love a meal that feels both cozy and special?

This dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta, all swirled together in a creamy sauce. It’s like your grandma’s classic chicken and broccoli bake, but ready in 30 minutes flat. Plus, it uses ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.

I started making this back in 2015 when evenings got hectic with the kids’ activities. The first time I served it, my daughter exclaimed, “This tastes like a warm blanket!” I discovered the key is to save a splash of pasta water before draining; it adds just the right creaminess to the sauce. Now, it’s a staple in our home and a dish I love sharing with friends.

Thomas Baker

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Enjoy a creamy chicken broccoli pasta bake that’s both easy and satisfying with this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. This cheesy broccoli chicken pasta combines tender rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious sauce for a one pot chicken broccoli pasta meal perfect for busy weeknights or leftovers. Whether you’re craving a comforting creamy chicken broccoli pasta bake or a quick cheesy broccoli chicken pasta dish, this recipe delivers delicious flavor in just 35 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Calories: 535

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

 

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package until nearly tender, adding the broccoli florets in the final 3 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.
2. Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and gently simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, just until small bubbles appear around the edges.
4. Take the skillet off the heat before whisking in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optionally red pepper flakes.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce, tossing carefully with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
6. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce achieves a creamy, glossy finish. Just before serving, stir in a cold knob of butter to add richness and shine.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly grated cheeses and adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a warm, satisfying dinner on the table without the stress.
• Family Favorite: This dish combines creamy goodness with the nostalgia of cozy family meals, appealing to all ages!
• Healthy Convenience: Using rotisserie chicken means you’re adding protein without extra cooking timeperfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: With simple pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime, ensuring it’s always a go-to for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.

Key Ingredients & Equipment

This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is all about simplicity! Let’s dive into what you need:

• Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce perfectly.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Store-bought and shredded, it saves time and adds amazing flavor.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, it brings a lovely crunch and nutritional boost.
• Heavy Cream & Cheeses: The base for our creamy sauce is heavy cream mixed with Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Basic Seasonings: Don’t forget garlic, onion, olive oil, and Italian seasoning for that comforting flavor.

Essential Equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for the creamy sauce
• Colander for draining
• Whisk for smooth cheese sauce

How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to the package directions.
2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to cook them just right.
3. Before draining, save 1 cup of that starchy pasta water to help make the sauce creamy.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat, then cook the diced onion until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
5. Add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
7. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth, then season with Italian spices.
8. Add drained pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to combine with the sauce, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
9. Finally, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that glossy, creamy texture.

Tweaks and Troubleshooting

Let’s make this dish work for everyone, no matter what!

• Swap Veggies: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables like spinach or peas for a different twist.
• Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water or broth until it’s just how you love it.
• More Cheese, Please: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some extra on top before serving!
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you love a kick.

Serving & Storage Tips

This dish is delightful fresh, but it also makes great leftovers!

• Perfect for Weeknight Dinner: Pair it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to revitalize the creaminess.

This rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is sure to become a beloved dish in your household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s here to comfort and satisfy. Enjoy every creamy bite together!

Expert Says

Incorporating vegetables like broccoli into your ROTISSERIE CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional value. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and blending it with protein from the chicken creates a balanced meal that supports muscle health and overall wellness.

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The Road to Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

After a few attempts at this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta, I learned that patience truly is a virtue. One early version ended up more like a soup than a pasta, but each misstep brought me closer to a creamy, comforting dish that my family now asks for weekly. Here’s the recipe that finally hit the mark!

FAQs ( Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta )

Conclusion

This rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is your new weeknight heroready in just 30 minutes, it wraps you in a blanket of creamy goodness. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that beckon the whole family to dinner.

Feeling a little adventurous? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for that extra crunch! When it comes to leftovers, simply reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep that creaminess alive. Trust me, it’s a tip I picked up from my aunt’s bustling kitchen.

I’d love to see your version of this comforting dish! Did you grow up with something similar? Share your family memories or photoslet’s keep the cozy vibes going! And don’t forget to save this recipe to make for loved ones tonight or on your next family gathering. Enjoy every delightful bite!