Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a fantastic dish that brings together convenience and flavor in one bowl. For those busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting, this recipe shines. It offers the richness of creamy sauce with the goodness of chicken and broccoli, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, using rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy, cutting down on prep time. You’ll love how the pasta absorbs the creaminess, and every bite is filled with flavors that please the whole family.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling water, adding the pasta, and cooking it for about 8-12 minutes until it’s al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets. This way, the broccoli gets tender but stays vibrant and fresh. Once both the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Take a large skillet and heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can get bitter if cooked too long.
3. Add the Chicken: Now, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Stir it well and cook for about 3–4 minutes until the chicken is heated through. This pre-cooked chicken is what makes your dish come together quickly, and it’s also full of flavor!
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to thicken up slightly by letting it cook for about 5 minutes. You will notice it turns into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce. Keep mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This adds a deep, cheesy flavor that makes the dish satisfying.
6. Combine Everything: Now it’s time to mix everything together! Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything until the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the creamy chicken sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta warm. It looks lovely in a big bowl or individual plates.

How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This pasta dish is best served warm, straight from the skillet. You might want to add extra Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor. A sprinkling of fresh parsley can also brighten the dish and add some color. This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. Adding a glass of chilled white wine or lemonade completes the meal and makes it even more special.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge. You can microwave it or heat it on the stove over medium-low heat until it is warmed through.

Tips to Make Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

1. Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While penne or rotini work great, you can feel free to swap in any pasta you love. Just remember to adjust your cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
2. Fresh Garlic is Key: Using fresh garlic will enhance the flavor. Avoid garlic powder for this dish because fresh will provide a better taste and aroma.
3. Add More Veggies: If you want to pack even more nutrition into this dish, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken.
4. For a Lighter Sauce: If you want a lighter dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and plain Greek yogurt. This will reduce the calorie count and provide a refreshing change.
5. Spice it Up: For those who enjoy heat, do not hesitate to add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Variation

This recipe is quite flexible and can be modified to suit personal tastes or dietary needs. If someone in your family is vegetarian, you can switch out the rotisserie chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas to keep it hearty without meat. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta, and the dish remains just as tasty.

You can also experiment with different cheeses; shredded mozzarella or Asiago can add delightful flavors. If you love herbs, consider tossing in some Italian seasoning or fresh basil to lift the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, absolutely! Any leftover cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just ensure it is shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Is this dish suitable for freezing? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Ensure they are cooled completely, place them in an airtight container, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the elements in advance but it’s better to combine them just before serving. Cook the pasta, broccoli, and sauce ahead, then mix right before you’re ready to eat for the best texture and taste.

4. What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of whole milk and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it or use half-and-half for a lighter option.

5. How can I add more flavor to the sauce? Feel free to add ingredients such as Italian herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce to enhance the flavor profile.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a deliciously creamy and satisfying Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta that your whole family will love. It’s an excellent choice for any meal and sure to make you come back for seconds. Enjoy cooking!

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Print Recipe

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Friendly

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually boiling water and cooking for 8-12 minutes. In the last 2–3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the sauce, tossing gently until well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.

Notes

This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread and can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy, easy, dinner