Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is an easy and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and fresh broccoli makes it a family favorite. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort in the kitchen. This dish is tasty, comforting, and can be ready in around 30 minutes.

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 time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in 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.
4. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
6. 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 Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta warm. You can plate it in bowls and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top for added flavor. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the pasta fresh, try to consume it within 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Use different types of pasta, like fusilli or farfalle, for a fun twist.
• Add more veggies, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Variation

You can make this dish with shrimp or sausage instead of rotisserie chicken if you prefer. Just cook the meat separately before adding it to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Just add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Sure! Use gluten-free pasta to keep this dish gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version of this dish.

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