Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

I remember the first time I made Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It was a rainy day, and I had just come back from a hectic day at work. I wanted something comforting, something that would warm me up from the inside out. A quick glance in the fridge revealed a rotisserie chicken just waiting to reveal its potential. The pasta practically called out to me. As it simmered on the stove, the aroma wafted through the kitchen and I couldn’t help but grab a spoon and sneak a taste – let me tell you, it was heavenly! Since that day, this dish has become a cherished comfort food in my house, perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture this: tender penne, perfectly al dente, mingling with vibrant broccoli florets and succulent shredded chicken, all enveloped in a silky smooth sauce that feels like a warm hug. It's creamy, it’s cheesy, and it packs a punch of flavor with just the right hint of garlic and Italian seasoning.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, or even mix in a different protein if you're in the mood. The fact that it uses a rotisserie chicken means it’s fast too—like a superhero in your kitchen, this recipe swoops in to save dinner without the fuss of starting from scratch. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry already!

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

• 1 lb Penne Pasta: I love how penne captures the creamy sauce; its ridges make each bite a little surprise.
• 1 Whole Rotisserie Chicken (3-4 lbs): Shredded, this acts as the key protein source. It’s tender, pre-cooked, and packed with flavor.
• 4 Cups Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, they add that vibrant green, crisp texture and nutrition.
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing, it adds a light fruity note.
• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced fine): Garlic is the magic ingredient that ramps up the flavor.
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion (diced small): Sweet and caramelized goodness waiting to happen.
• 2 Tbsp Butter: Because butter makes everything better, right?
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream: This is what dreams are made of—smooth and luscious!
• 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium): Adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Freshly grated is key! It melts beautifully into the sauce.
• 1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): For that gooey, cheesy finish.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: A little extra zip to complement the fresh garlic.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a kick!

Preparing Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Trust me, the starchy water that’s going to be left is liquid gold, so before draining, save about 1 cup of it.

2. Add the Broccoli: Three minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets right into that bubbling pot. This way, you'll have beautifully cooked broccoli that’s vibrant and tender.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In your largest skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add in the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it softens. Don’t rush this; we want those onions to become sweet and fragrant before adding the garlic. Add the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer (look for those tiny bubbles around the edge, but no rolling boil). This is where the magic really begins!

5. Add the Cheese: Here’s the insider tip—remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheeses to avoid a grainy sauce. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the mixture is completely smooth. Season it all up with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes!

6. Combine it All: Gently add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together with tongs to ensure all those flavors meld beautifully. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

7. Adjust the Consistency: This is key! Slowly add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches that creamy, glossy consistency we’re chasing. Just before you serve, stir in a cold knob of butter for an ultra-rich finish.

Best Way to Enjoy It

You can’t go wrong with this pasta served hot right from the skillet! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Want to jazz things up? Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to truly make it an unforgettable meal. Can you imagine sinking your fork into that creamy pasta while pairing it with a glass of your favorite white wine? Pure bliss.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy goodness. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months, but keep in mind the texture of the broccoli and cream may change slightly when thawed.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking your time caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness.
• Pasta Water is Your Friend: This starchy water is the chef's secret weapon for achieving that velvety texture.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in a little fontina or gouda for an interesting twist on flavors.

Creative Twists

Why not switch up the veggies? Instead of broccoli, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Craving something different? Swap out the penne for any pasta shape you love—farfalle or fusilli work beautifully too! Going vegetarian? Leave out the chicken and add chickpeas or lentils for protein in an equally satisfying way.

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente.
3. During the last 3 minutes, stir in broccoli florets.
4. Save 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
5. In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
6. Sauté diced onion for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Pour in heavy cream and broth, simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
9. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
10. Toss drained pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, then fold in shredded chicken.
11. Add reserved pasta water until achieving a creamy consistency.
12. Stir in a knob of cold butter and serve.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prep?
A: You’ll have this hearty meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just cook it according to the package instructions.

Q: What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
A: You can easily roast or boil chicken breasts and shred them.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Just store it in the fridge and reheat as needed!

Q: How do I know when the sauce is ready?
A: When it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon!

This dish truly embodies the notion of comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Plus, the combination of chicken and veggies means it’s a step toward something healthy without sacrificing any taste. So, gather your loved ones, dive into the cooking process, and don’t forget to let your creativity shine as you whip this up! I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out, so drop me a note afterwards. Happy cooking!