Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
Rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta in a rich creamy sauce ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Pasta Base
01 -
12 oz rotini or penne pasta
02 -
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
03 -
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
04 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Silky Cream Sauce
05 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 cups heavy cream
08 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
→ Savory Seasoning Blend
11 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
13 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
14 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Bright Finishing Touches
16 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
17 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 -
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 -
During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets directly to the boiling pasta water. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli vibrant and tender-crisp, which is key to a great Quick Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Drain together with the pasta.
03 -
In a large deep skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter together. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 -
Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add 4 oz of softened, cubed cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
05 -
Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted. Season your Quick Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste.
06 -
Fold in 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, then add the drained pasta and blanched broccoli florets. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
07 -
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten all the rich flavors. This finishing touch is what makes this Quick Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta taste restaurant-quality. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley and give everything one final gentle toss.
08 -
For the best Quick Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, let it rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving — this allows the sauce to cling perfectly to every piece of pasta. Divide into 4 bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Sauce Too Thick? The cream sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. Always keep that reserved pasta water nearby — adding it a tablespoon at a time is the easiest way to bring the sauce back to a silky, pourable consistency without diluting the flavor.
02 -
🔄 Easy Substitutions: No heavy cream on hand? A combination of whole milk and an extra 2 oz of cream cheese works well. You can also swap rotini or penne for farfalle, rigatoni, or even egg noodles. Frozen broccoli florets can replace fresh — just thaw and pat dry before adding.
03 -
🧊 Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pan over low heat and stir gently to revive the creamy sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad, warm crusty garlic bread, or a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio. A light squeeze of extra lemon over individual bowls right before eating adds a wonderful fresh pop of flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
colander
03 -
large deep skillet or sauté pan
04 -
wooden spoon or silicone spatula
05 -
cheese grater
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
cutting board
08 -
chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 920 kcal
Total Fat: 54 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 48 g