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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the kind of cozy, family-friendly meal that checks every box: quick to make, rich and satisfying, and packed with flavor. By using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this recipe cuts down prep time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
This creamy pasta dish combines tender penne, juicy shredded chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a silky homemade cheese sauce. It feels indulgent and restaurant-quality, yet it’s made with affordable, everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
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If you’re searching for an easy chicken pasta recipe that delivers comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses rotisserie chicken for fast, stress-free cooking
- Creamy, cheesy sauce with a smooth, glossy finish
- One-pan sauce for easy cleanup
- Family-friendly flavors that picky eaters enjoy
- Budget-conscious alternative to restaurant pasta
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with different pasta shapes or vegetables
Ingredients Breakdown
• Penne Pasta – A sturdy pasta shape that holds creamy sauces well. Penne’s ridges help capture every bite of the rich cheese sauce, but rotini or rigatoni work just as well.
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• Rotisserie Chicken – Adds savory depth and convenience. Using both white and dark meat creates the best balance of flavor and tenderness while saving significant prep time.
• Broccoli Florets – Bring freshness, color, and a mild crunch. Broccoli balances the richness of the cream sauce and can be used fresh or frozen with excellent results.
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• Olive Oil – Helps sauté the aromatics gently while adding subtle richness. A good-quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Butter – Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce. Butter also helps mellow the garlic and onion, creating a smooth flavor base.
• Garlic – Provides aromatic warmth and savory flavor. Finely minced garlic blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
• Yellow Onion – Builds the foundation of flavor. Cooking it slowly releases natural sweetness that complements the cream and cheese.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, luxurious sauce. Heavy cream is ideal because it resists curdling and produces a smooth, stable texture.
• Chicken Broth – Lightens the sauce while adding savory depth. Low-sodium broth allows better control over seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and tastes far superior to pre-shredded varieties.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Contributes creaminess and stretch. Whole-milk mozzarella melts evenly and creates a velvety texture.
• Italian Seasoning – Brings balanced herbal notes that complement chicken and cream-based sauces.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the garlic flavor without adding harshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but great for a subtle kick of heat that cuts through the richness.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture
- Add broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking to prevent overcooking
- Always reserve pasta water before draining
- Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese to avoid grainy sauce
- Add pasta water gradually for a glossy, restaurant-style finish
- Toss gently to keep pasta intact and evenly coated
Variations and Customizations
This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Swap penne for fettuccine, rotini, or shells
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
- Replace mozzarella with fontina or provolone
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
Drinks
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea
- Light white wine
Occasions
- Weeknight family dinners
- Meal prep lunches
- Casual entertaining
- Comfort food cravings
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth
- Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation
- Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the pasta water without thawing.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese and use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients in advance, but this dish is best served fresh for optimal texture.
What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano works well, though it is slightly saltier.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes, use half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly while maintaining good flavor.
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
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