Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is an easy and delicious dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Using a rotisserie chicken saves time, while the creamy sauce and vibrant broccoli provide a comforting meal that the whole family will love. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta while adding some nutritious veggies.

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 mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
5. Remove 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 pasta dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay good for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• If you like a stronger cheese flavor, use sharp cheddar in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
• You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• To save even more time, use pre-chopped onions and minced garlic from the store.

Variation

For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. This will keep it creamy while reducing calories.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rotini.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the rotisserie chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian option.

Can I freeze Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but if you want to freeze it, store it in an airtight container. It may lose some creaminess when reheated, so add a little cream or broth when warming it up.

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