Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together to create a comforting meal for any occasion. The tender penne pasta goes hand-in-hand with succulent rotisserie chicken and vibrant green broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty dish looks beautiful on the plate, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

As you dive into this delightful recipe, you’ll experience the luscious textures and vibrant colors that make each bite a treat for your senses. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to prepare this pasta dish, share tips for serving, and explore variations to suit different tastes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: The recipe uses fresh broccoli and tender rotisserie chicken, giving you a delicious and nourishing meal.
Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps, this meal is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy families.
Nutrition: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced choice that satisfies your hunger.
Versatility: You can customize it with different vegetables or cheeses to match your preferences.
Presentation: Its creamy sauce and colorful ingredients create an inviting dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes.

This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
(Note: Times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

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)

How To Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
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.
Pour in the 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.
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Add the 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

Presentation: Serve the pasta in a large bowl or individual plates, garnishing with extra Parmesan.
Accompaniments: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Portions: This recipe serves about 4-6 people, perfect for family meals or leftovers.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing iced tea.

Completing your meal with these tips will make it even more enjoyable!

Additional Tips

Flavor Enhancement: For extra flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the mix.
Customization: Swap out the broccoli for spinach or kale, depending on your taste.
Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright touch.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Spinach Variation: Replace the broccoli with spinach for a greener version and add extra cheese for a richer flavor.
Pesto Chicken Pasta: Mix in some pesto with the creamy sauce to give the dish an Italian twist.
Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for an earthy depth and a hearty bite.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the pasta before adding the cream sauce. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat, then mix in the sauce.

Special Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Skillet
Measuring cups
Whisk
Tongs

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well and saves time. Just add it to the boiling pasta as directed.
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and sauce in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the chicken.
Can I customize the proteins?
Yes, feel free to substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked shrimp or diced tofu for a different protein option.
What are alternative cooking methods?
You can also make this dish using a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach by adding all ingredients and letting it simmer.

Conclusion

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With its creamy texture and vibrant ingredients, it’s perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions. Whether served to family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this tasty meal that brings joy to every table!