Gather around, friends! Today we’re diving into a dish that’s as cozy as your favorite sweater and just as heartwarming. This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend. The best part? It puts that juicy rotisserie chicken to great use, saving you time without skimping on flavor. Trust me, this meal will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

why make this recipe

Who doesn’t love pasta? It’s a blank canvas for all kinds of deliciousness. In this recipe, we bring together tender penne pasta, fresh or frozen broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken in a rich cream sauce. It’s comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to whip up. You likely have most of the ingredients on hand already! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Let’s get cooking!

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)
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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
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Directions:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Toss in your penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Here’s a little trick: during the last 3 minutes of cook time, add those broccoli florets right into the pasta water! It makes everything easy and perfectly cooked. Remember to save about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside.

Now, in your biggest skillet, do your thing! Heat up the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it softens. Then, toss in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds — you want to smell all that flavor!

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring that mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You don’t want a rolling boil, just small bubbles around the edges. Once it’s heated up, take the skillet off the heat. This is important: add your cheeses in here to avoid any grainy texture. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until everything is smooth. About now, it’ll start to look irresistible! Season with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add those red pepper flakes too!

Now, add in your drained pasta and broccoli. Use tongs to toss everything gently until coated with that creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken. If the sauce looks a little thick, add in that reserved pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time until it’s just right. For a little extra flair, stir in a cold knob of butter right before serving. It really takes it over the top!

how to serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve up this creamy goodness in cozy bowls. You can garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even some fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

how to store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you somehow have leftovers (which is a rarity in my kitchen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to keep the creaminess alive.

tips to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Make it quicker by using frozen broccoli. It cooks perfectly right along with the pasta!
Feel free to switch up the cheeses. Cheddar or Gouda can give it a nice twist.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream.

variation (if any)

If you’re looking to add some zing, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully. You could also throw in some cherry tomatoes for an extra splash of color and flavor!

FAQs

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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
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Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work just fine. The key is to have around 4 cups.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half and half or even a mix of milk and cream, but note the sauce might be a little less rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep it fresh!

Enjoy every creamy bite, my friends! You’ll love how this pasta hugs you back with each forkful.

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