Indulge in a delicious bowl of Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta that bursts with flavor and comfort! This dish is all about simplicity; it’s creamy without being overly rich, thanks to the clever use of chicken broth and light cream. Picture tender penne pasta wrapping itself around juicy pieces of rotisserie chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. With a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and just a touch of spice, every bite is a warm embrace that promises to satisfy your cravings. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a hectic weeknight, this pasta is here to brighten your day and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Plus, it’s pantry-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep handy for those busy nights!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a dish you’ll be excited to make! It combines the ease of rotisserie chicken with punchy flavors and comforting textures. Not only is it a one-skillet meal that cuts down on cleanup, but it also brings everyone together for a cozy dinner that’s sure to please. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Uses rotisserie chicken for juicy, ready-to-go protein.
- Pasta and broccoli create a hearty yet balanced meal.
- Can easily be made in advance or stored for later!
- Great for using pantry staples, so less waste!
- Adaptable to dietary needs with simple swaps.
- A rich, creamy sauce without heavy cream—perfect comfort food!
Ingredients for Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Gather these fantastic ingredients to create your creamy masterpiece:
- 1 lb penne pasta – Perfectly holds the creamy sauce and pairs beautifully with the veggies.
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat) – Adds savory flavor and tender protein without the hassle of cooking.
- 4 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, they bring a pop of color and crunch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing your aromatics and adding richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced fine) – Infuses the dish with fragrant, mouthwatering flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced small) – Sweetens and deepens the overall taste.
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds a velvety texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a creamy sauce that wraps the pasta perfectly without being too heavy.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium) – Enhances the flavor while keeping it light.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – For that rich, salty finish.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded) – Melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend to enhance the overall herby flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Provides an additional garlic punch.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – A hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below!
How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Phase 1 – Prep
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and set it aside.
- Wash and chop the broccoli into florets if using fresh.
- Mince the garlic and dice the onion.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, cooking until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir until heated through.
- Mix in cooked penne and cheeses, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until everything is heated and creamy.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy with friends or family around the table!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Swap broccoli for other vegetables such as spinach or peas for variety.
- Make it spicier by adding a few extra red pepper flakes or some hot sauce!
- Store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh and tasty.
- For a quicker meal, use quick-cook pasta varieties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta, which can turn mushy. Be sure to check the cooking time, and aim to stop cooking just before it becomes too soft. Al dente pasta holds better later.
Another mistake is adding cold ingredients to the skillet. If you’re using refrigerated rotisserie chicken, warm it up a bit before mixing it in to avoid cooling down your pasta.
Lastly, don’t overload on the cream! Too much can make the dish overly heavy. Stick to the suggested measurements for a perfect balance.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free? Substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Kick up the flavor with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Add crushed tomatoes for a saucier version.
- Try making it in an Instant Pot for a hands-off approach.
How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Best Pairings: Serve with a crisp garden salad to light up the plate.
- Toppings & Garnishes: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs adds a nice color.
- Drink Pairing: Pair it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just cook and store in airtight containers to enjoy throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, though the texture might change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, stirring every minute or so to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes! Frozen cauliflower florets will work just as well—just add them directly to the skillet.
How to make it extra creamy without cream? Try adding more cheese or a splash of pasta cooking water for creaminess without excess fat.
Can I double it? Yes, feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings; just ensure your skillet is big enough!
How to fix a too-thick sauce? Add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
In this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe, you discover a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for any occasion, it’s creamy without being heavy, making it a delightful family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a rating or check out some of our other delicious recipes!
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta Perfectly holds the creamy sauce and pairs beautifully with the veggies.
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat) Adds savory flavor and tender protein without the hassle of cooking.
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen, they bring a pop of color and crunch.
Flavorings
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing your aromatics and adding richness.
- 3 cloves garlic Minced fine; infuses the dish with fragrant, mouthwatering flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion Diced small; sweetens and deepens the overall taste.
- 2 tbsp butter Adds a velvety texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates a creamy sauce that wraps the pasta perfectly without being too heavy.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium) Enhances the flavor while keeping it light.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) For that rich, salty finish.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded) Melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend to enhance the overall herby flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Provides an additional garlic punch.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) A hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and set it aside.
- Wash and chop the broccoli into florets if using fresh.
- Mince the garlic and dice the onion.
Cooking
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, cooking until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir until heated through.
- Mix in cooked penne and cheeses, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until everything is heated and creamy.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy with friends or family around the table!