It is 6pm on a busy fall Tuesday. You are tired and the kids are hungry. Dinner needs to happen fast, but you want something healthy and fresh.
This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your new secret weapon. It delivers a balanced, high-protein meal in just 35 minutes. You will love how simple it feels to get a home-cooked dinner on the table tonight.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a lifesaver for busy families. It uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save you precious time in the kitchen. The whole wheat pasta adds fiber to keep everyone full longer.
It is the perfect healthy reset after a busy weekend. You get lean protein, fresh greens, and complex carbs in one bowl. Your family will think you spent hours cooking, but you will know the truth.
Simple Method
The magic happens in just one main pot. You boil the broccoli right with the pasta to minimize cleanup later. This shortcut makes the recipe incredibly beginner-friendly for any home cook.
Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this. The sauce creates itself using a little bit of starchy pasta water and cheese. It is a foolproof way to get a creamy finish every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely sitting in your pantry or fridge right now.
- 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded and skinless
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point.
- Add whole wheat penne to the boiling water and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water and continue boiling for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil, sautéing for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and shredded rotisserie chicken, stirring for 2 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
- Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Toss all ingredients together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce until it coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm in large, shallow bowls. A little extra fresh Parmesan on top makes it feel special. It is a wonderful meal for a cozy weeknight dinner at home.
You can pair it with a simple side salad. A piece of crusty garlic bread is also a huge hit with kids. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free meal with your favorite people.
How to Store Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for a quick office lunch tomorrow.
To reheat, use the microwave or a small skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. Stir well to redistribute the lemon and garlic flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water for the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli so it stays bright green.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save 20 minutes of prep.
- Double the recipe if you want easy meal prep lunches.
- Add a squeeze of extra lemon just before serving for brightness.
- Finely grate your own Parmesan for a smoother melt.
- Keep the garlic moving so it does not burn and turn bitter.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap whole wheat penne for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available in your garden.
- Substitute the red pepper flakes for extra black pepper for less heat.
- Try using vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen florets. Just add them during the last 2 minutes of boiling. They cook faster than fresh broccoli.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Absolutely, most kids love the simple cheese and chicken combo. If they are sensitive to heat, just leave out the red pepper. It is a great way to get them to eat greens.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh for the creamiest texture. However, you can shred the chicken a day early. This makes the actual cooking time even faster.
I hope this quick and healthy pasta makes your busy fall evenings a little easier. There is nothing better than a warm, nutritious meal that the whole family enjoys. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded and skinless
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup low -sodium chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point.
- Add whole wheat penne to the boiling water and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water and continue boiling for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil, sautéing for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and shredded rotisserie chicken, stirring for 2 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
- Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Toss all ingredients together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce until it coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
