Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. The flavors mingle to create a comforting meal that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. This dish is sure to impress everyone at your table with its deliciously cheesy goodness and inviting aroma.
As you prepare this meal, you’ll enjoy the sizzle of garlic and onions, the creamy texture coating each piece of pasta, and the vibrant colors of the broccoli. This article will guide you through step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make this comforting dish. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients offer great taste and health benefits.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
- Packed with nutrients from chicken and broccoli.
- Versatile enough to customize to your taste!
- Stunning presentation makes it perfect for any occasion.
No matter the reason, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded or 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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and stir, letting it warm through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Add in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is combined, stir in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve
- Present your pasta in a large serving bowl for a family-style meal.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for flavor and presentation.
- Serve in individual portions; about 1 to 1.5 cups per serving.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
Your guests will love how beautiful and delicious this dish looks!
Additional Tips
- Add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Customize the cheese by mixing in your favorites, such as Gouda or Cheddar.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for that perfect Italian touch.
Recipe Variations
- Pesto Chicken Pasta: Swap out the cream for pesto sauce for a bright flavor twist.
- Spicy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use plant-based cream and cheeses.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion out in freezer-safe containers, and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for sautéing
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just add it to the skillet directly without thawing.
2. Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and calcium from cheese, making it a well-rounded meal.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then combine before serving.
4. How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to adjust the veggies, use different cheeses, or even add herbs to suit your palate.
5. Are there alternative cooking methods?
You can make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.
Conclusion
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not only a delight to eat but also an easy dish to prepare for any occasion. The blend of flavors, the nutritional benefits, and the beautiful presentation make it a hit at any meal. Try making it for your next family dinner or gathering, and watch everyone enjoy every bite! You’ve got this!
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Chicken
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded or about 4 cups meat)
Sauce Ingredients
- 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) Add for heat if desired.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and stir, letting it warm through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Add in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is combined, stir in the cooked pasta.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy!
