As I stood in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of sautéing garlic filled the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. That’s the magic of high-protein one-pot rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta; it combines simplicity and indulgence into one delightful dish. Packed with over 28 grams of protein per serving, this vibrant meal transforms your weeknight dinners into something special without the fuss. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting pasta that makes use of rotisserie chicken, allowing you to savor every rich bite while bypassing the drive-thru. Besides being a breeze to prepare, it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some greens and satisfy your whole family. So, ready to dive into a dinner that brings all the heartiness you crave while keeping things quick and easy? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this recipe a weeknight hero?
Simplicity: This dish is wonderfully easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream and cheeses creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
High Protein: Each serving boasts over 28 grams of protein, keeping you energized and satisfied.
Versatility: You can easily swap out ingredients like pasta or veggies based on what you have on hand—use leftover rotisserie chicken for an effortless meal.
Time-Saving: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for those who want a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta dish delights both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full! Whether paired with a fresh salad or enjoyed solo, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta Base
- Penne Pasta – A fantastic choice for structure; feel free to substitute with fusilli or rigatoni.
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh and crunchy, they add a vibrant touch; both fresh and frozen broccoli work beautifully.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Rotisserie Chicken – Adds robust flavor and plenty of protein; mix white and dark meat for the best taste.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic; can swap with canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- Yellow Onion – Sweetens the sauce and enhances depth; shallots are a great alternative if you have them on hand.
- Garlic – Elevates the dish with its aroma; using fresh garlic yields the richest flavor.
- Butter – Contributes to the sauce’s richness; keep it to olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious creamy base; consider half-and-half or coconut cream to cut fat without losing flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Bolsters flavor and sauce consistency; opting for low-sodium broth allows for better control over salt.
For Added Flavor
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides a savory touch and thickens the sauce; try Pecorino Romano for a different twist or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Infuses creaminess and a delightful melt; whole milk mozzarella works best for flavor.
- Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes – Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta brings all the warm, comforting flavors to your table in no time!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. When there are about 3 minutes left of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets, allowing them to cook until vibrant green and tender.
Step 2: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later. This will help achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency. Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, ensuring that all water is removed, and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent browning, which ensures a sweet flavor in your creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
Step 4: Add Garlic for Flavor
Next, add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic but not burnt. Stir continuously during this step to release the garlic’s essential oils, as the warm skillet will activate its flavor, making your dish even more delightful.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without losing creaminess.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheeses
Remove the skillet from heat and gradually whisk in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor profile of your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the drained pasta, broccoli, and shredded rotisserie chicken into the creamy sauce. Slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce thickness, ensuring every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 8: Finish with Butter
For the final touch, add a cold knob of butter to the skillet, stirring until it melts and contributes a silky texture to your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta. Serve it warm straight from the skillet, allowing the enticing aroma to invite everyone to the table.
What to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Pair this vibrant, creamy dish with delightful sides that create a comforting and complete meal experience.
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Caesar Salad: A crisp side that adds freshness, contrasting beautifully with the rich pasta, elevating the overall dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: This classic staple brings a crunchy, buttery texture, perfect for mopping up leftover sauce and enhancing the comforting feel.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges provide a lovely sweet counterpart; the slight bitterness perfectly balances the creamy pasta.
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Sparkling Water or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks to cleanse the palate, they complement the richness of the dish without overpowering its flavors.
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Steamed Asparagus: Drizzled with lemon, it offers a fresh crunch, bringing brightness to counteract the creamy texture of the pasta.
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Fruit Sorbet: A light, fruity dessert to cleanse the palate after your hearty meal; its refreshing notes are the perfect way to end.
Each pairing enhances the warmth and comfort of your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta, turning dinner into a delightful occasion!
Expert Tips for Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
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Cheese Technique: Remove sauce from heat: This prevents graininess in the cheese. Always whisk in cheese after taking the sauce off the flame.
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Perfectly Creamy Sauce: Gradually add pasta water: To achieve your desired thickness, add the reserved pasta water slowly. This helps you control the consistency effectively.
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Flavor Boost: Use a mix of chicken meats: Combining white and dark rotisserie chicken enhances flavor and texture, making your dish even more satisfying.
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Freshness Counts: Opt for fresh garlic: While jarred garlic is convenient, fresh garlic truly elevates the flavors in your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
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Herb Enhancements: Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your family’s preference for spice.
How to Store and Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep the flavors fresh and the dish tasty.
Freezer: Freeze the rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing for best results.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive its creamy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dish up to the combining step, storing the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days for convenience.
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Variations
Feel free to take your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta to new heights with these creative twists!
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Zucchini Noodles: Swap penne for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, vegetable-packed version that adds a fresh crunch.
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Leftover Veggies: Toss in any leftover vegetables you have for a clean-out-the-fridge meal that’s as tasty as it is economical.
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Shrimp or Tofu: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp or cubed tofu for a delightful seafood alternative or a vegetarian protein boost.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduce chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor burst that elevates the dish beautifully.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free, ultra-rich sauce that adds a hint of tropical sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery touch, turning the creamy dish into a spicy sensation.
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Nutritional Yeast: Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it vegan while still achieving that cheesy flavor and savory depth.
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Lemon Zest: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top before serving for a bright, zesty finish that brings an extra layer of flavor.
Feel inspired? Dive into these variations and let your creativity shine in the kitchen! You can even explore how to make your pasta gluten-free if that suits your dietary needs. Cooking should be fun and personalized to you, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta bowls are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the creamy sauce, including the sautéed onions, garlic, and cheeses, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply store the cooked pasta and broccoli separately to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to enjoy this meal, gently warm the sauce in a skillet while adding the shredded rotisserie chicken, then toss in the separately stored pasta and broccoli to heat through. A splash of reserved pasta water will help achieve that luscious creamy consistency, making your weeknight dinner just as delightful as the day it was made, but with minimal effort!
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for bright green broccoli florets that are firm and free from dark spots. If you see yellowing or dark spots all over, it’s best to avoid those; they indicate more mature broccoli that might be bitter. Fresh broccoli not only enhances the dish visually but also provides a delightful crunch. If you can’t find fresh broccoli, frozen florets work excellently too—just thaw them before adding to your pasta!
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. I often find that the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even tastier! Just ensure the pasta has cooled down a bit before sealing the container to keep it fresh and delicious.
Can I freeze Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Very! To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive its creamy texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy in the sauce?
The key is patience! Make sure to remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheeses. This technique ensures the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping. Whisk them in gradually, and you’ll achieve that luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly!
Is this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta suitable for people with allergies?
It can be adjusted! If you’re catering to dairy allergies, you can easily substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, you could use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option. Always check the labels on your chicken broth and cheeses to ensure they meet dietary restrictions. Just remember, keep a close eye on any additional spices that may contain allergens, too!
What can I do if I find the sauce is too thick?
No worries at all! If your sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add in some of that reserved starchy pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency. The starchy water not only helps thin out the sauce but also helps it cling to the pasta beautifully, creating that comforting, creamy mouthfeel we all love!
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta for Busy Nights
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- large skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta or fusilli or rigatoni
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets fresh or frozen
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken shredded
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with canola or vegetable oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Butter optional for richness
- 1 cup Heavy Cream can use half-and-half or coconut cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth preferably low-sodium
For Added Flavor
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add penne pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add broccoli florets.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, increase heat to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Fold in drained pasta, broccoli, and rotisserie chicken into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired thickness.
- Add a cold knob of butter and stir until melted. Serve warm.