Introduction

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly using flavorful rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli. The rich, cheesy sauce coats tender penne pasta, making it a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

The image shows a metal pan filled with rotini pasta mixed with pieces of cooked chicken and broccoli. The rotini pasta is light yellow and spiraled, covering most of the pan's surface. Bright green broccoli florets are scattered evenly throughout the pasta, adding color contrast. Small chunks of white chicken are placed on top and mixed in, lightly browned on the edges. The dish has a creamy texture with some specks of seasoning visible on top. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holds the pan handle slightly visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: 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, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Step 2: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Step 3: Heat the 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 and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding the cheeses to prevent graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture or frozen for convenience; just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle for variety.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of fresh basil for a bright, fresh twist.
For a lighter version, replace half the cream with whole milk and reduce butter slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of pale yellow spiral rotini noodles mixed with bright green broccoli florets and golden brown grilled chicken pieces, all coated evenly in a smooth white sauce, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken separately first. Poach or sauté boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred before adding to the pasta.

What can I use instead of Parmesan and mozzarella?

Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute for Parmesan, offering a sharper flavor. For mozzarella, you can use fontina or provolone for a similarly creamy melt.