Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Name: Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish

Posted on February 27, 2026

Rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta dish with vibrant veggies and pasta

Dinner

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Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic

Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug on a chilly evening, turns a busy weeknight into something special, and serves as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for dinner parties. With bold flavors, creamy textures, and bursts of color, it’s impossible not to love this dish!

When life gets hectic and cooking feels more like a chore than a joy, this recipe is here to save the day. I mean, who doesn’t love a no-fuss meal that packs a punch in flavor? The beauty of using rotisserie chicken is it cuts down your cooking time in half while still giving you that comforting homemade feel. You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes! Can you say “winner”?

Imagine the steam rising as you finish off the sauce, the vibrant greens of the broccoli mingling with the tender pasta, and the rich, gooey Parmesan stretching as you serve up a heaping bowl. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a chance to gather around the table, enjoy great conversation, and savor the moment. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking, friends! You’re going to want to keep this recipe on repeat in your kitchen rotation.

Personal Story

I remember the first time I made this dish. I had just moved into my first apartment, and I was feeling all kinds of nervous and excited! My family and friends decided to pop by to help me break in my new kitchen, and I wanted to impress them without spending the whole evening cooking.

I picked up a rotisserie chicken from the local grocery store after catching a whiff of one on the warm rotisserie. The savory aroma filled the air, and I knew I had to include that deliciousness in my dish! I tossed in some broccoli and pasta, adding a creamy sauce that turned it all into a melody of flavors. Watching everyone dig into their bowls with wide smiles and happy chatter made my heart swell. That night wasn’t just about the food; it was about connection, laughter, and bringing people together, and I knew I had created something special!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta:

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
Tip: Use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie. Cooked turkey or shredded beef would work too!
8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
Chef Insight: Larger shapes like penne or rotini hold onto the sauce better, making each bite satisfying!
2 cups broccoli florets
Substitution: Feel free to swap in asparagus or green beans if broccoli isn’t your thing!
1 cup heavy cream
Secret Tip: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like cashew milk, but you may want to add a little flour to thicken it!
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Swap: Pecorino Romano gives a sharper flavor, while nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative!
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chef Insight: Extra virgin olive oil adds depth, but any oil you have on hand works just fine!
2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Booster: You could use garlic powder in a pinch; just remember that 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder equals about a clove!
Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Always season at the very end; you don’t want to over-salt. Give it a taste first!
Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
Kick It Up: If you love a little heat, don’t skimp on the red pepper flakes! They add wonderful warmth to the dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process! This part is where the magic happens, and trust me, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook a little when you mix it with the sauce, so don’t overdo it! Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften and turn a vibrant green. You want them perfectly tender but still with a little crunch! This adds texture to your dish and keeps it looking gorgeous.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Once the broccoli is looking fabulous, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic can taste bitter, and trust me, we want nothing but deliciousness here.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Now, reduce the heat to low, and it’s time for the heavy cream to make its grand entrance! Pour that lovely cream into the pan and stir it well with the broccoli and garlic. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to harmonize.

Step 5: Bring the Pasta and Chicken Into the Mix

Next, add the drained pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every morsel is coated in that creamy goodness. If it seems too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and gooey. The cheese adds a fantastic richness to the dish, making it even more satisfying. Hit it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste—this is where you’ll want to adjust as per your preference.

Step 7: Final Touches

Serve hot right out of the skillet or plate it up family-style. If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra pop of color and flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is ready to devour, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Plate like a Pro: For an elegant presentation, twirl the pasta onto a plate using a fork and spoon to create a beautiful nest. Top it with a few extra broccoli florets for a pop of color.
Cheesy Delights: Serve alongside more grated Parmesan cheese for those who love a cheesy finish!
Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright flavor burst and a gorgeous touch.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair it with some crispy, buttery garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Recipe Variations

Let’s get creative with some variations on this delightful dish! Here are a few ideas that will allow your culinary imagination to run wild:

Pasta Swap: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb twist!
Vegetable Boost: Add more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms into the mix for an extra nutrient kick!
Different Protein: Swap out the rotisserie chicken for shrimp or diced tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version.
Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an added depth of flavor.
Vegan Makeover: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and riced cauliflower instead of pasta for a delicious vegan dish!

Chef’s Notes

As with every recipe, this one has evolved through the years. I started out adding about a million ingredients until I realized that simplicity is key. I love how this dish has grown with me—it was born out of necessity and creativity in my tiny apartment kitchen, and that’s why it holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me that great food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs passion, a sprinkle of love, and a dash of creativity.

Throughout my cooking journey, I’ve learned that every recipe tells a story. Each time I’ve made this pasta, it’s been a chance to gather around the table, share laughter, and make memories. The comfort and joy this dish brings are why I’m excited to share it with you!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

1. What if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, try simmering it for a few more minutes to let it reduce and thicken. You can also add a little more cheese, which can help create a creamier consistency.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and chicken ahead of time and then mix everything together when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce separately to avoid sogginess.

3. My pasta turned out mushy—what did I do wrong?

Overcooking the pasta is the main culprit here. Always keep an eye on your pasta and check for that perfect al dente texture. If it’s mushy this time, don’t fret! Just adjust the cooking time for next time.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while mixing the pasta in or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Nutritional Info

Let’s talk about the goodness packed in this comforting bowl of deliciousness! This recipe serves about four people and provides a balanced meal that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
Protein: About 30g (thanks, rotisserie chicken!)
Carbohydrates: Around 50g (from the pasta)
Fat: Approximately 30g (mostly from the cream and cheese)
Fiber: About 4g (with all those beautiful broccoli florets!)

Feel free to tweak ingredients based on your dietary needs—whether you want to reduce calories, up the protein, or go gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! Your very own Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta—a dish filled with warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of love. I hope you take this recipe into your kitchen and let it become a staple of your culinary repertoire.

Cooking is all about experimentation, having fun, and making joyful memories. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, know that this dish carries with it everything I love about sharing food with family and friends. So roll up those sleeves, get your hands a little messy, and invite others to join in on the fun!

Now go forth and create your culinary masterpiece! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking, my friends!