Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It combines tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, using a rotisserie chicken saves you time without sacrificing 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 a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the 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 heat completely before adding the 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 the 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 in large bowls. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and garnish with a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, if needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• To save time, use pre-cut broccoli or frozen broccoli florets.
• Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the creaminess to your liking by adding more or less reserved pasta water.

Variation

You can swap the penne pasta for any pasta shape you enjoy, such as fusilli or farfalle. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, any cooked chicken will work well in this recipe.

2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and heat just before serving.

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