Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta (Barilla recommended); 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen if needed); 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (3-4 lbs, about 4 cups meat); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced small; 3 cloves garlic, minced fine; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup whole milk mozzarella, shredded; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Introduction

This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish that comes together in just 35 minutes. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken and simple ingredients, you get a rich, satisfying meal with a silky sauce and tender broccoli. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and delicious without the fuss.

A white bowl filled with twisted rotini pasta coated in creamy white sauce, mixed with bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly throughout. Small, browned pieces of grilled chicken are layered on top and within the pasta, giving a slight golden color contrast. The textures show the pasta spiral ridges, tender broccoli, and slightly crisp chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta

1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (3-4 lbs, about 4 cups meat)

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (frozen works if needed)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced fine

1 medium yellow onion, diced small

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup whole milk mozzarella, shredded

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.

Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, gently simmering for 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent breaking the cream.

Step 5: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last. Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time to reach a creamy, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Stir in a cold knob of butter right before serving for a silky, restaurant-quality finish.

Tips & Variations

Use both white and dark meat from rotisserie chicken to add depth of flavor and tenderness.

Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer taste.

Add the reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness and maintain creaminess.

For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes to taste or add a pinch of crushed chili.

Try swapping penne for rigatoni or rotini to hold the sauce differently based on preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to prevent the sauce from breaking, stirring frequently. Microwaving is possible but may cause the sauce to become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli will work great in this recipe. Just cook according to package instructions.

What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?

Frozen broccoli florets can be used as a substitute. Add them during the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking just like fresh to keep a tender-crisp texture.