Description
This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the convenience of store-bought rotisserie chicken with fresh broccoli and a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers rich Italian-inspired flavors in just 35 minutes. Tender penne pasta is cooked with broccoli, then tossed in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The shredded rotisserie chicken adds a savory protein boost, making this dish a satisfying and easy-to-make meal loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta (Barilla preferred)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (frozen acceptable in a pinch)
Protein
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (3–4 lbs, about 4 cups meat)
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced fine
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup whole milk mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add fresh broccoli florets directly to the pot to cook until tender-crisp. This method ensures perfectly cooked broccoli that retains texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water in a measuring cup for thinning the sauce later. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, watching for small bubbles around the edges. Avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the skillet from heat completely. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli in Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken and Adjust Consistency: Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken carefully to keep it tender. Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy, glossy consistency.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving to give the sauce a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
Notes
- Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
- Use both white and dark meat from the rotisserie chicken for the best flavor balance.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve optimal sauce consistency and creaminess.
- Fresh minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhance flavor and sauce texture.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors intensify after resting.
- For reheating, warm gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to maintain sauce texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent graininess.
- This dish can be converted to a casserole: transfer to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Keywords: rotisserie chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, Italian comfort food, penne pasta recipe
