Oh, friends, let me tell you about a recent kitchen discovery that has quickly become a beloved staple in my busy life. There are days when I crave something utterly comforting and undeniably delicious, but the thought of spending hours slaving over a hot stove just doesn’t fly. That’s precisely when my deep appreciation for Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta began.
I vividly remember one Tuesday evening, rushing home after a late meeting, staring into my fridge, wondering what culinary magic I could whip up with minimal effort. A beautifully golden rotisserie chicken, a bag of fresh, vibrant broccoli, and some trusty pasta – that’s literally all it took to create this heavenly dish. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight savior, a burst of flavor that satisfies every craving, and a warm, comforting hug in a bowl.
It perfectly embodies my philosophy of making delicious, easy-to-execute meals that bring joy to the table, even on the busiest of evenings. If you’re searching for a spectacular dish that delivers on both taste and convenience, this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
You’re going to adore this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe for so many fantastic reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick. Thanks to the convenience of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you slash your cooking time significantly.
Secondly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. A rich, velvety sauce perfectly coats tender pasta, succulent chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, yet it feels balanced with the inclusion of nutritious broccoli.
It’s also remarkably versatile, allowing you to easily adjust ingredients to your family’s preferences. Busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply a craving for something truly satisfying – this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta delivers every single time. It truly simplifies dinner without compromising on deliciousness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a regular request in my household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is simple and straightforward. You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry! The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable components, all coming together to create an unforgettable meal.
* 1 pound (450g) short pasta (like penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
* 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from a standard 2-pound chicken)
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is its incredible adaptability. You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe truly your own!
* Pasta Power: While penne or rotini work beautifully, feel free to use any short pasta like farfalle, orecchiette, or even a long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure you cook it to al dente.
* Chicken Choices: No rotisserie chicken?
No problem! You can easily boil, bake, or pan-fry two chicken breasts and shred them for the same fantastic results. You could even use leftover turkey!
* Veggie Vibes: Broccoli is a star here, but spinach, peas, asparagus, or even diced bell peppers make wonderful additions or substitutions. Simply add them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they retain some crunch.
* Creamy Alternatives: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
For an even richer twist, consider adding a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra decadence.
* Cheese Please: Parmesan cheese offers that classic savory depth, but you can also incorporate a blend of Italian cheeses, a sharp cheddar, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile in your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
* Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a lovely kick.
Smoked paprika can introduce a smoky undertone, while a dash of nutmeg can enhance the creamy notes of the sauce.
* Herbaceous Additions: Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary, finely chopped, can elevate the aroma and flavor of this comforting pasta dish. Add them towards the end of cooking for maximum impact.
* Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’ll still enjoy a fantastic Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
One of the best things about this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is its incredible adaptability. You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. For a delicious twist, consider trying this Creamy Herb Chicken Bake that complements your pasta perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delicious Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a breeze, even for novice cooks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the finely diced onion.
Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. You’re building the flavor base for your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
3.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the broccoli starts to turn vibrant green and becomes crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking the broccoli at this stage; it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
4. Introduce Chicken and Seasoning: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the aromatics and seasoning.
5. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a very gentle simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
This creamy base is what makes our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta so irresistible.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of chicken and broccoli is coated in the luxurious creamy sauce.
7.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it wonderfully silky.
8.
Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your hot Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy this comforting and easy meal!
Pro Tips for Success
Making this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta fantastic is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips help you achieve the best possible flavor and texture, turning a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.
* Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always cook your pasta to al dente. It should have a slight bite to it. Remember, it will continue to cook a little when tossed with the hot sauce.
Overcooked, mushy pasta can ruin the entire dish.
* Reserve Pasta Water: This is a golden rule for any pasta dish! The starchy pasta water is your best friend for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
It helps to emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth and clingy. Don’t skip this step when making your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
* Shred Your Chicken Efficiently: While the chicken is still warm, it shreds much more easily.
You can use two forks or even your hands (once cool enough to handle) to pull it apart. For a super-fast method, place the chicken in a large bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed for a few seconds – it shreds perfectly!
* Balance Your Broccoli: You want your broccoli florets to be crisp-tender, not mushy.
Adding them after sautéing the onion allows them to cook just enough to be tender but still retain some texture and their vibrant green color.
* Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Remember, the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese already contribute some saltiness, so add judiciously.
* Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated cheese works, freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly and offers a superior flavor and texture to your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It truly makes a difference.
* Gentle Simmering: When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. High heat can cause dairy to separate or curdle, so a low and slow approach is best for a perfectly smooth and luscious sauce.
Making this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta fantastic is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips help you achieve the best possible flavor and texture, turning a simple weeknight meal into something truly special. For further enhancement, check out the preparation secrets in our Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta makes excellent leftovers, which is always a bonus for busy individuals like me. Properly storing and reheating ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
* Storage: Allow any leftover Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta to cool completely to room temperature (this usually takes about 30-45 minutes) before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, try to consume it within that timeframe.
* Freezing: While technically possible, I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish, especially if it contains heavy cream. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing and reheating, affecting the overall texture. If you must freeze, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* Reheating (Stovetop): This is my preferred method for reheating Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta because it helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess. Place the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk (1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce. Stir gently and continuously until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
* Reheating (Microwave): For a quicker option, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish.
Add a small splash of chicken broth or milk. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken and pasta.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, if you want to elevate your dining experience or simply add a little something extra, here are a few perfect pairings:
* Crisp Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta beautifully. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
* Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: There’s nothing quite like a slice of warm, garlicky bread to sop up every last bit of that luscious creamy sauce.
A crusty baguette also works wonders.
* Steamed Green Beans: For an extra dose of green vegetables, a side of simply steamed or lightly sautéed green beans offers a nice contrast in texture.
* Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and provides another healthy, flavorful accompaniment to your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, if you want to elevate your dining experience or simply add a little something extra, here are a few perfect pairings: you might want to serve it alongside our delightful Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vibrant accompaniment.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
While this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare some components in advance. Shred the rotisserie chicken, chop the onion and broccoli, and even make the sauce base (without the pasta) a day ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, heat the sauce, combine, and enjoy. This strategy significantly cuts down on active cooking time when dinner rolls around.
What kind of pasta works best for this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or orecchiette are excellent choices for this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta because their nooks and crannies really hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, you can also use long pasta like fettuccine or linguine if that’s what you prefer; just make sure to toss it thoroughly to coat.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Achieving the perfect sauce consistency for your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is easy! If your sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth until you reach your desired creaminess. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a few more minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta?
Absolutely! This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is incredibly versatile. Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or even diced carrots would be delicious additions.
For leafy greens like spinach, stir them in at the very end until just wilted. Harder vegetables might need to cook a little longer with the broccoli.
Is this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta kid-friendly?
Yes, this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is generally very kid-friendly! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are usually big hits with children. If your kids are picky about broccoli, you can finely chop it or even blend a small amount into the sauce before adding the pasta to make it less noticeable while still getting those nutrients.
Creamy pasta dishes are beloved around the world for their rich textures and comforting flavors, showcasing a variety of ingredients. One popular option features broccoli and chicken, offering a balance of nutrition and indulgence, which is often sought after in modern cuisine—discover more in this cuisine article.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, exact measurements, and substitutions used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650-750 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35-45 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20-25 g |
| Cholesterol | 120-150 mg |
| Sodium | 700-900 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50-60 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-6 g |
| Total Sugars | 4-6 g |
| Protein | 35-45 g |
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that's quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It combines tender pasta, succulent rotisserie chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound short pasta (like penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
1 small Yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 head Broccoli, cut into small florets
3 cups Shredded rotisserie chicke
2 cups Chicken broth
1 cup Heavy cream
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add your chosen pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining and setting it aside
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets, cooking until bright green and tender
- Step 3: Introduce Chicken and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well coated
- Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly
- Step 5: Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce
- Step 6: Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until achieving the desired consistency
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired
Notes
Don't overcook the pasta, aim for al dente.
Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency adjustments.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650-750 kcal
- Sugar: 4-6 g
- Sodium: 700-900 mg
- Fat: 35-45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20-25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10-15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
- Fiber: 4-6 g
- Protein: 35-45 g
- Cholesterol: 120-150 mg