Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

January 1, 2026 by Mae

Creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta dish served in a bowl.

Wholesome Comfort: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Imagine a chilly evening where the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal fills the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace. This is the perfect time to whip up Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. With its rich, creamy sauce enveloping tender pasta and vibrant green broccoli, it’s a dish made for sharing, laughter, and heartwarming moments with family or friends gathered around the table.

As the soft sounds of clinking cutlery and cheerful conversation fill your kitchen, your loved ones will eagerly await bountiful bowls of this delightful pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, the blend of flavors and textures in this recipe makes it an instant favorite that echoes comfort and familiarity.

What You’ll Need

To create this irresistible dish, a handful of fresh ingredients is all you need, along with a touch of enthusiasm. Let’s dive into the pantry and grab everything on our list!

Ingredients

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)

Tools

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some trusty kitchen tools:

Large pot
Skillet
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Tongs
Baking dish

How to Make It

Creating Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful journey! Each step builds flavor and excitement, culminating in a dish that warms both the body and soul.

Prep the Base

Start your culinary adventure by bringing a large pot of salted water to a joyous boil. As the water dances in the pot, toss in the penne pasta, allowing it to cook according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture that’s tender yet has a slight bite. Now, here’s the magic: during the last three minutes of cooking, add the vibrant green broccoli florets directly into the pot. The broccoli’s fiery green juxtaposes the swirling pasta, lending a pop of color and nutrition to our creamy creation.

Once you’ve maintained that delightful pasta texture, reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water—this is liquid gold for our sauce! Drain the pasta and broccoli together, letting them rest while they await their creamy destiny.

Build the Flavor

Next, grab your largest skillet and introduce a mix of olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. As they melt and mingle, the kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come. Add the diced yellow onion; let it sizzle softly, caramelizing gently for about four to five minutes until it’s beautifully softened and translucent. Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic, inhaling the sweetly fragrant notes as it cooks for just 30 seconds, releasing a heady perfume into the air that makes your stomach growl in anticipation.

Pour in the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring gently until the mixture simmers, with small bubbles forming at the edges—the sign that we’re heading in the right direction! It’s crucial here to keep an eye on it and avoid a rolling boil.

Create the Creamy Sauce

With the skillet removed from the heat completely, it’s time to whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Feel free to be a little generous with those cheeses; we’re aiming for a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings to the pasta like a cashmere sweater on a chilly day. The process is an alchemy of textures and aromas—silky and rich in your skillet, ready to envelop your pasta and broccoli.

To elevate the flavor further, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling daring. As you stir, the colors meld into a dreamy golden hue, inviting you to dive into this concoction of creamy goodness.

Toss it All Together

Now, it’s time for the grand assembly! Gently toss in your drained pasta and broccoli, coaxing that velvety sauce over every single piece until they are completely coated in creamy perfection. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, a delightful nod to convenience and flavor, ensuring that each bite is a heavenly blend of pasta, veggies, and tender chicken.

But wait—before you serve, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to the skillet, two tablespoons at a time, until the sauce seems glossy and luscious. A cold knob of butter stirred in right before serving will take your dish to restaurant-quality status, leaving everyone yearning for seconds!

Creative Twists

While this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is undeniably delightful in its classic form, you can easily make it your own with a few creative twists:

Seasonal Variations: In the summer, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. In the fall, adding roasted butternut squash provides both sweetness and warmth.
Flavor Upgrades: Experiment with spices! A dash of smoked paprika can add depth, while a sprinkle of lemon zest provides a citrusy brightness.
Protein Swaps: Not a fan of rotisserie chicken? Shredded turkey or even sautéed mushrooms create equally satisfying alternatives, maintaining that comfort factor.
Veggie Alternatives: Feel free to swap out broccoli for seasonal favorites like asparagus or sautéed spinach to enjoy seasonal freshness.
Grain Swaps: For a lighter option, try zoodles (zucchini noodles) or whole wheat pasta, which introduces a different texture while staying health-conscious.

Final Inspiration

There’s something remarkable about sharing a hearty meal, and this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table. As you savor each creamy, comforting bite, think of the stories your meal will inspire and the cherished moments created.

So, gather your loved ones, serve this dish with pride, and let the laughter and joy fill the room. Make this recipe a part of your weekly rotation, and it will not only satisfy your cravings but also create memories that linger long after the last bite. Now, it’s time to stir up some magic in your kitchen!

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