Who doesn’t love a creamy pasta dish that comes together in no time?

Picture this: tender pasta coated in a velvety creamy sauce, scrumptious shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant green broccoli all in one bowl. This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your ticket to a meal that’s both delicious and effortless. Why stress about dinner when you can whip up this delightful dish using a store-bought chicken? It’s quickly becoming a favorite for good reason!

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s face it, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. Here’s why this creamy delight gets all the stars:

Quick and Easy: With minimal effort, you’ll have a gourmet dinner ready. Who needs a Michelin star when you’ve got this recipe?
One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup means you get to spend more time eating and less time washing dishes. Win-win!
Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will love it, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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)

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a deliciously creamy experience:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to the package directions.
During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges—no rolling boil here!
Remove the skillet from heat entirely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly.
Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last, then add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency.
Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for that restaurant-quality finish.

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Overview)

Making this creamy pasta is as simple as it sounds! Start by boiling your pasta, adding broccoli toward the end (get those greens in!), then whip up a quick creamy sauce.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference! 🍝
Mix in the cheese off the heat to achieve that smooth texture—trust me!

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this beautiful pasta in a wide bowl to showcase those vibrant green broccoli florets against the creamy backdrop. Top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The aroma of garlic and cheese will have everyone drifting to the dinner table before the food even hits their plates!

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This delicious dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for about 2 months in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to get the creamy consistency back.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Timing is key: Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente keeps it from getting mushy!
For a budget-friendly version, use leftover veggies or whatever cheese you have in your fridge.
Add cooked bacon or sausage for an extra punch of flavor.

Variation

Want to mix it up? Try swapping out the broccoli for spinach or even roasted red peppers. Feeling adventurous? Make it vegan by using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and subbing in your favorite plant-based cheeses.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work here, so use what you have on hand.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything in advance and just combine it right before serving to keep it fresh.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, just be cautious about freezing dairy-based sauces, as they can change texture. Add more liquid when reheating if needed!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!