Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Creamy) (Print Version)
Rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta in a rich, creamy sauce ready in 30 minutes and packed with protein 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 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
→ Silky Cream Sauce
05 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
10 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Savory Seasoning Blend
11 -
1 tsp onion powder
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
14 -
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish & Garnish
16 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
17 -
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
18 -
1/4 cup extra Parmesan, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets directly to the pot. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 -
In a large deep skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 60-90 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 oz softened, cubed cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This silky base is what makes this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | High Protein so irresistibly rich.
04 -
Stir in 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Gradually add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 -
Add 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
06 -
Fold in 1/4 cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley. Stir gently to distribute throughout the dish. The sun-dried tomatoes add a bright, tangy contrast that elevates this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | High Protein to restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
07 -
For the best Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | High Protein, let it rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes so the sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta. Divide into 4 bowls and top each serving with 1/4 cup extra Parmesan and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cooking Tip: Always grate your Parmesan fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, which can make your sauce grainy instead of silky.
02 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce calories, or use whole milk Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for an extra protein boost. You can also use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
03 -
🧊 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken significantly when cold. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop for best results.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Tip: Pair this dish with a simple arugula salad and crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a wedge of lemon to brighten the rich, creamy flavors.
# 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: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 38 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 52 g