When I think of cozy, comforting meals, this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta springs to mind. It’s the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm blanket, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or even a gathering with friends. There’s something magical about combining tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce. It reminds me of the evenings my family would gather around the table, laughter mingling with the aromas wafting from the kitchen. I want to share the kind of secrets that make this dish so special—ones that elevate an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine this: You walk through the door after a long day, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter this lovely little recipe, where rotisserie chicken does all the heavy lifting for you! It keeps things simple yet utterly satisfying. The creamy sauce, laced with garlic and buttery goodness, coats every bite of pasta with love. And let’s not forget those bright green broccoli florets—equal parts nutrition and crunch! You really get to indulge in a gourmet experience without breaking a sweat.
Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You’ll impress even the pickiest of eaters with its cheesy goodness and delightful texture. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken if you have it on hand. Seriously, you’ll want to make it again and again, and that’s a promise!
Key ingredients overview
To pull off this creamy delight, gather these key players that will transform your meal into magic:
- Penne pasta (1 lb): This shape is perfect for catching all that silky sauce, but don’t hesitate to swap in fusilli or even spaghetti if you prefer!
- Rotisserie chicken (1 whole): The easy star of the show! The juicy meat adds depth and flavor without hours of cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even roast your own chicken.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): Fresh or frozen, it doesn’t matter. This veggie brings a pop of color and a healthy crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil & butter (2 tbsp each): A dynamic duo that creates a rich base for your sauce, ensuring that everything sautéed in it tastes divine.
- Garlic (3 cloves): A must-have flavor booster. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover, as it truly elevates the dish!
- Onion (1 medium): Diced small for sweetness and to create a fragrant foundation.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): This is where all the richness comes from—the creamy embrace that ties it all together. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): This adds a hint of savory depth; choose low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Cheeses (1 cup parmesan & 1/2 cup mozzarella): Freshly grated parmesan provides a nutty tang, while mozzarella gives that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes this dish irresistible.
- Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes): These bring a fragrant touch to the sauce, but always adjust them to your taste!
How this recipe comes together
Ready to whip up this creamy wonder? Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty:
- Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Cook your penne according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Add broccoli: During the last three minutes of cooking, toss in those colorful broccoli florets. It’s like a little surprise party for your pasta as it cooks together!
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining, be sure to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside—trust me, this is liquid gold for your sauce!
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then toss in the minced garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant—oh, that smell!
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for those lovely little bubbles around the edges; we’re not trying to boil a storm here!
- Mix in the cheese: Off the heat, whisk in the freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. This is where we avoid grainy cheese sauce—always remove from heat before adding!
- Spices and seasoning: Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you’re feeling feisty.
- Combine: Gently fold in the drained pasta and blanched broccoli, using tongs to coat everything evenly. Then add in the shredded rotisserie chicken—that’s the comforting heart of this dish!
- Emulsify: Finally, whisk in the reserved pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you hit that creamy, glossy indulgence. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for that extra “wow” factor.
Best way to enjoy it
Once it’s time to enjoy, don’t skimp on presentation! Transfer the creamy pasta to a large serving bowl or individual plates. A little sprinkle of extra parmesan or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil always adds that finishing touch. Pair this with a simple green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, and if you’re feeling indulgent, serve with some crusty garlic bread. A glass of crisp white wine or a light sparkling water will complete your meal perfectly.
Storage and reheating tips
Here’s quickly how to keep it fresh after dinner: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce—it tends to thicken up in the fridge. Stir it gently over medium heat until it’s warmed through and creamy again. You can also freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the sauce may change a bit in texture. If you foresee leftovers, freezing smaller portions will let you enjoy it later without any waste.
Helpful cooking tips
Now for a few pro tips I swear by!
- Always taste as you go—adjusting seasoning can take your dish from good to downright tantalizing!
- Make it light: swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist while keeping it creamy.
- Use leftovers creatively: this pasta delights in casseroles or even in a baked pasta dish.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few inspiring twists:
- Switch up the veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or even peas can add different flavors and textures.
- Spice it up: Experiment with adding sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Make it cheesy: Add a dollop of ricotta before mixing in the chicken for a creamy burst.
Common questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Just store the components separately and mix before serving to preserve the creaminess.
- What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken? Shredded turkey or even canned chicken are viable alternatives, but you lose some of that roasted depth.
- Is it kid-friendly? Oh yes! The creamy sauce and pasta are usually a hit with kids, plus it sneaks in some veggies!
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Definitely! Just cook according to package instructions and you’ll be set.
- What if I want a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Skip the chicken and consider adding more veggies and perhaps some beans for protein.
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to happen. It’s a recipe brimming with heart, combining flavors and textures that come together in delicious harmony. I hope you’ll give it a whirl, infusing your own tweaks and love. Cooking should always feel like an adventure, don’t you think? I can’t wait for you to try it and share your thoughts. Happy cooking, friend!
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Description
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a cozy, comforting meal that combines tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.Key Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Steps
Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.Add broccoli
During the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.Reserve pasta water
Before draining, scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.Sauté onion and garlic
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic for another 30 seconds.Create the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 2-3 minutes.Mix in the cheese
Off the heat, whisk in freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.Season the sauce
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste.Combine
Fold in the drained pasta and broccoli, then add in the shredded rotisserie chicken.Emulsify
Whisk in reserved pasta water, adjusting until creamy. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 650mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 90 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 50 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.6 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
