Introduction

This rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken adds flavor and protein without extra prep. The blend of tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce makes it a family-friendly favorite.

A close-up view of a frying pan filled with a creamy pasta dish featuring three main layers: the base layer consists of tightly spiraled rotini pasta in a light yellow color, scattered evenly throughout; the middle layer is made up of bright green broccoli florets adding a fresh, textured contrast, arranged between the pasta; and the top layer features pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with slight char marks, placed sporadically on top of the pasta and broccoli. The dish is lightly coated with a creamy white sauce that adds a smooth texture and some green chopped herbs sprinkled evenly for garnish. The pan 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 in a pinch)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced finely

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

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking for tender-crisp broccoli.

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

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

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching for small bubbles around the edges but avoiding a boil.

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

Step 6: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last to keep it tender.

Step 7: Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time to reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a silky finish.

Tips & Variations

Use both white and dark meat from the rotisserie chicken for added flavor and moisture.

Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.

If you want extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Substitute penne with other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini for variety.

For a lower-fat option, reduce heavy cream and increase chicken broth, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve after resting overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture. Microwaving is possible but may cause the sauce to become grainy. This dish also works well baked as a casserole topped with extra mozzarella, baked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine if fresh isn’t available. Add it to the pasta water the last few minutes to thaw and cook. Drain well before mixing with the sauce to avoid extra moisture.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded or chopped. Seasoning may be mild compared to rotisserie chicken, so consider adding extra Italian seasoning or garlic to enhance flavor.