Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a quick and comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a hearty dish that the whole family will love. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves you time while still providing great flavor.

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 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.
2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in 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, straight from the skillet. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for added flavor. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works well too.
• Make sure to whisk in the cheese slowly to keep the sauce smooth.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. You can also substitute the pasta with your favorite type, like fettuccine or spaghetti.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use grilled chicken or any leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and heat right before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.

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