Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli make every bite delicious and satisfying. It’s an easy recipe to whip up, bringing family together for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This dish is a crowd-pleaser. It combines simple ingredients into a rich and creamy meal that feels like a warm hug. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, it’s perfect for new cooks or anyone looking for a quick family dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and reducing waste.

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Making this pasta is super easy! You’ll boil the pasta and broccoli together, then combine them with a creamy sauce that comes together in one skillet. It’s a simple process that keeps the clean-up to a minimum—perfect for busy moms and dads. Just cook everything, mix it, and serve it up.

What You 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

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in 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.
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Add 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.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This dish is delicious all on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few extras. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch, too. This comforting pasta is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To keep leftovers fresh, store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to regain the creamy texture.

Recipe Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta only until it’s slightly firm to the bite for the best texture.
Cheese Choice: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated varieties, enhancing the creaminess.
Broccoli Alternatives: If your family isn’t a fan of broccoli, feel free to swap it for spinach or peas.
Adjust Spices: Add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick or leave them out for a milder flavor.
Use Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, saving both time and effort.

Variations & Swaps

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Pasta Shape: Try using different pasta shapes like fusilli or bowtie for a fun twist.
Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat. Store the components separately in the fridge for up to one day.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure it cools down before putting it in an airtight container. It’s best to consume frozen pasta within two months.

How do I reheat the pasta?
You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to help restore the creamy consistency, stirring gently.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
Cooked chicken breast, turkey, or even shredded pork would work well as substitutes.

What are common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overcook the pasta or broccoli, as they can become mushy. Also, remember to remove the skillet from heat before adding the cheese to keep it creamy and smooth.