Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of tender pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, and vibrant green broccoli creates a colorful and appetizing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. The rich, creamy sauce, infused with garlic and cheese, adds a delightful depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
As you dive into this dish, you’ll experience the rich creaminess blending beautifully with the savory chicken and the crisp broccoli. The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of making this fantastic dish, share why you’ll love it, and provide tips on how to serve it perfectly. Let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Featuring wholesome components like pasta, broccoli, and rotisserie chicken.
- Ease of Preparation: Quick and straightforward, making it perfect for busy cooks.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli.
- Versatility: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices as you like.
- Presentation: The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for guests and family alike.
You’ll adore how easy and satisfying this dish is!
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, 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 the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in cooked chicken and broccoli florets, cooking until the broccoli is tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining or divide into individual plates.
- Accompaniments: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it great for gatherings.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine or iced tea for a refreshing drink.
This dish is always a hit with everyone, leaving them wanting more!
Additional Tips
- Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- Customize it with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Serve with a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for extra richness.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a meatless meal.
- Cheesy Spin: Add more varieties of cheese like cheddar or feta for different flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This pasta dish freezes well in containers for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool before freezing for best results.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking sauce
- Cooking spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight containers for storage
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli will work perfectly in this recipe!
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It can be made ahead and stored for quick meals throughout the week.
3. Can I customize the recipe to be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist.
5. Can I use other cooking methods?
You can bake it in the oven for a bubbly casserole-style dish instead if you prefer!
Conclusion
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also a simple recipe that pleases everyone at the table. With fresh ingredients and rich flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Main 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
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
Cooking
- Stir in cooked chicken and broccoli florets, cooking until the broccoli is tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese before serving.
