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Creamy rotisserie chicken pasta with broccoli in a white bowl

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This creamy pasta dish combines rotisserie chicken and broccoli for a quick, flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Protein
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken (shredded, about 4 cups meat)

Method
 

Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. About 3 minutes before it’s done, toss in the broccoli florets.
  2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In your largest skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and butter.
  2. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, adding minced garlic for the last 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth.
  5. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Combining Everything
  1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
  2. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
  3. Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve a creamy, glossy consistency.
Finishing Touch
  1. For a restaurant-quality finish, stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving.

Notes

Got leftovers? They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for about a month. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy magic. Timing is key: Don’t overcook the broccoli — you want it to still have a bit of crunch!