Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
Rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta comes together in 30 minutes with simple ingredients for a hearty, protein-packed weeknight family dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Pasta Base
01 -
12 oz penne pasta
02 -
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
03 -
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
04 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
→ Silky Garlic Cream Sauce
05 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
3/4 cup chicken broth
09 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Savory Seasoning Blend
11 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
13 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
14 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish & Garnish
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
16 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
17 -
1/4 cup extra Parmesan, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. This is the foundation of your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Family Dinner, so don't skip the salt — it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
02 -
Add 12 oz penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. With 3 minutes remaining, add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets directly to the pot. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain both together.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 60–90 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 3/4 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 oz softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is thick and silky. This creamy base is what makes this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Family Dinner so irresistible.
05 -
Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust — proper seasoning at this stage ensures every bite of your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Family Dinner is perfectly balanced.
06 -
Add 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and stir to warm through, about 2 minutes. Add the drained penne and broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly. Use the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
07 -
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. The lemon juice cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors. For the best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Family Dinner, let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
08 -
Divide evenly among 4 bowls or plates and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of the 1/4 cup extra Parmesan cheese. Add extra red pepper flakes or fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cooking Tip: Pull the rotisserie chicken apart into generous, bite-sized shreds rather than fine pieces — larger chunks hold up better in the sauce and give every forkful a satisfying, hearty texture.
02 -
🧊 Storage Advice: 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 medium-low heat to revive the creamy sauce, as it will thicken when chilled.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tips: Swap penne for rigatoni or farfalle if preferred. Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich. Frozen broccoli florets work in a pinch — just add them directly to the boiling pasta water from frozen.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with warm crusty garlic bread and a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the creamy sauce. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio makes this weeknight dinner feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
colander
03 -
large skillet or sauté pan
04 -
wooden spoon
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
cheese grater
07 -
cutting board
08 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 38 g
Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
Protein: 48 g