Lu-Ann Simon December 16, 2025

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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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As the comforting aroma of creamy pasta wafts through your kitchen, it’s easy to see why Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta has become a favorite for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This dish brings together the delightful flavors of tender rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and velvety sauce, all tossed with pasta to create a meal that feels both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just another weeknight, this delectable dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your dining table.

Why You’ll Adore Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

It’s hard not to fall in love with Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta at first bite. With its rich creaminess paired with nourishing veggies and hearty protein, it’s perfect for those evenings when you need a comforting and wholesome meal. The simplicity of using a store-bought rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time, making it great for busy weeknights while still delivering a homemade feel.

Quick to prepare and cook
Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks
Uses healthy ingredients that’ll please everyone
Offers a creamy, luscious texture without being overly heavy

Gather These Ingredients

For this delightful dish, you’ll need a combination of flavors that complement each other beautifully. Feel free to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch if you wish to add some extra crunch. Here’s a straightforward list of what you’ll need to create this creamy masterpiece:

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 Cook Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creating this creamy delight is easier than you might think! Follow these straightforward steps for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water, allowing them to blanch lightly.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent—this should take about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated. Incorporate the shredded rotisserie chicken, warming it through while stirring.
If you prefer a creamier consistency, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired thickness.
For a glossy finish, stir in a spoonful of cold butter just before serving.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 30 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 550.

Plan Ahead

Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish can be made in advance. You can cook the pasta and blanched broccoli earlier in the day and store them separately. The creamy sauce can also be prepped ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen as it cools. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything in a skillet and heat through gently.

How to Store Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, storing leftovers is easy! Keep any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, although it’s best used within a month for optimum flavor. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to help bring back its creamy consistency. Look out for a good texture before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This delightful pasta dish pairs wonderfully with several sides that can enhance your meal experience:

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping
Steamed green beans or asparagus
A fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
A light soup to start the meal

Make It Your Own

Customizing Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is simple, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Add in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
For a smoky flavor, incorporate diced turkey bacon alongside the onions.
Use different cheeses, like cheddar or fontina, for a richer taste.
Adjust the spices to include your favorite herbs, such as basil or thyme.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results with your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, consider these expert tips:

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should retain a slight bite.
When sautéing, keep an eye on the onions and garlic to avoid burning, as their flavors can turn bitter.
If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it beforehand to prevent excess water in the sauce.
A thermometer can help check if the chicken is heated through to at least 165°F.
Reserve the right amount of pasta water; it helps make the sauce creamy and cohesive.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Just remember that some may not melt as smoothly as others.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, use low-fat cream or reduce the amount of cheese while increasing the broccoli.
Is it possible to prepare this without chicken?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add extra veggies or even chickpeas as a protein source.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken, and it can enhance the flavor overall.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace served on a plate. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s an excellent choice for a weeknight delight or a family get-together. So gather your ingredients and let the aroma of this fabulous dish fill your home. You’ll be glad you did!

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pasta water.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add diced onion and sauté until softened (3-5 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat. Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken and warm through.
For a creamier consistency, add reserved pasta water until desired thickness is reached.
Stir in a spoonful of cold butter just before serving for a glossy finish.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American