Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner choice. It combines tender pasta, nutritious broccoli, and juicy shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy families. This dish is not only comforting but also a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.

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 Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for added color. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when stored.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
• You can substitute other veggies like spinach or peas for the broccoli if you prefer.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or swap out heavy cream for a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. You can also add lemon zest for a fresh flavor boost!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Any cooked chicken can be used in this recipe.

2. Can I freeze this pasta dish?
It’s best to eat this pasta fresh. If you do freeze it, the texture may change upon reheating.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when needed, just be mindful of adding extra liquid when reheating.

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