Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli

This creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time while still delivering rich, satisfying flavors that the whole family will enjoy.

I remember the first time I made this during a hectic week, and it felt like I had a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in no time. Now it’s a go-to comfort meal my family asks for regularly.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Penne pasta: holds the creamy sauce well, choose a good-quality brand for best texture
• Rotisserie chicken shredded: quick cooked chicken with rich flavor, use both white and dark meat for a balance of taste and moisture
• Broccoli florets fresh or frozen: adds color, nutrition, and a slight crunch against the creamy sauce
• Olive oil: for sautéing aromatics, a fruity extra virgin variety enhances flavor
• Garlic minced finely: infuses the dish with its unmistakable aroma
• Yellow onion diced small: provides a sweet, savory base when softened
• Butter: adds richness and silkiness to the sauce
• Heavy cream: creates the creamy texture, opt for fresh for the best mouthfeel
• Low-sodium chicken broth: adds depth without overpowering the creaminess
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated: sharp and nutty, critical for flavor and smoothness
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: lends gooeyness and extra melty texture
• Italian seasoning: classic herb blend that rounds out the taste
• Garlic powder: boosts garlic flavor without overpowering
• Red pepper flakes optional: a little heat that complements the creamy sauce

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Cook the diced onion for about 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This slow cooking draws out sweetness and builds a flavorful base without burning the garlic.

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking so they stay tender yet crisp. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later. Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with sautéed aromatics. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes looking for small bubbles around the edges, not a full boil which can separate the cream.

Finish the Sauce with Cheese:

Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Whisk the cheese in gradually until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and if using, red pepper flakes. Removing the skillet prevents the sauce from becoming grainy and ensures silky texture.

Combine Everything:

Add the drained pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce. Toss gently with tongs or a large spoon to coat every piece evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last so it warms without overcooking.

Adjust Sauce Consistency:

Add reserved pasta water in 2 tablespoon increments to loosen the sauce until it looks glossy and coats the pasta perfectly. Just before serving, stir in a cold knob of butter for a luscious, restaurant-style finish.

I adore the combination of creamy and cheesy sauce with the fresh snap of broccoli. One time I made this for a family dinner and my kids even ate the broccoli without complaining, which is always a win in my book. The rotisserie chicken adds so much convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain creaminess and avoid curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. A side of crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color and an herbal note.

Creative Twists

Ingredient Substitutions Sub penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli for a different shape that still holds the sauce well. Use cooked shredded turkey or leftover roast chicken if no rotisserie chicken is available. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream and cheeses for coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives keeping in mind texture differences.

This recipe balances convenience and flavor perfectly, making it an essential dinner for busy households.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well and can be added directly to the pasta water during cooking.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese and whisk it in slowly to maintain a smooth sauce texture.

→ What pasta type pairs best with this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and pairs nicely with the chicken and broccoli.

→ Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breast can be used as alternatives.

→ How is the sauce consistency adjusted?

Add reserved pasta water gradually while tossing to reach a glossy and creamy sauce consistency.