Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

why make this recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines hearty pasta, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, especially with rotisserie chicken, and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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 package directions until it is al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the 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. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, looking for small bubbles around the edges, but not a rolling boil.
5. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese. 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. Toss gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the 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 the pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad pairs nicely with this dish.

how to store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

tips to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Make sure to save some of the pasta water! It helps to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Feel free to use different types of cheese if you prefer, like cheddar or gouda.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

variation

You can add more vegetables to the pasta, such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition. You can also swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just add it to the pasta in the last minutes of cooking.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
You can cook chicken breasts or thighs separately and shred them to use in the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.

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