Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful meal that combines the goodness of rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all in one dish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, as it uses pre-cooked chicken, which saves you time in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy sauce will please the whole family and make them ask for seconds!

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
7. Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help bring back the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth.

Variation

You can switch up the cheese by using cheddar or adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top and broiling it for a bubbly finish. You can also use other types of pasta, like fettuccine or farfalle.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes! You can grill or bake chicken breasts if you don’t have a rotisserie chicken on hand.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to freeze it in an airtight container. It may lose some creaminess when reheated.

How long does it take to make this recipe?
From start to finish, it takes about 30-40 minutes to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.

Enjoy making this creamy, comforting dish that your family will love!

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