Description
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this one-pot meal is ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy families seeking comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients
12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
1 whole rotisserie chicken (yielding 3 cups shredded meat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for serving
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. Remove all meat from rotisserie chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard skin and bones. Set aside.
2. Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate Parmesan cheese fresh from block.
3. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
4. During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
5. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
6. In the same pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil rapidly.
8. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in Parmesan and mozzarella, whisking constantly until melted and smooth.
9. Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
10. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
11. Fold in shredded chicken gently until combined and heated through.
12. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until desired consistency.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley.
14. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and optional lemon wedges.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block – pre-grated cheese won’t melt smoothly.
Don’t let sauce boil after adding cream to prevent separation.
Reserve pasta water before draining – it’s essential for adjusting consistency.
Rotisserie chicken should be warm or at room temperature for best results.
Frozen broccoli can be used – thaw, squeeze out moisture, add directly to sauce.
Store leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat with extra milk or cream.
For keto version, replace pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Sauce thickens as it sits – add liquid when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: rotisserie chicken pasta, creamy chicken broccoli pasta, one pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe
