Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Quick creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a family-friendly weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Foundation & Fuel
01 -
12 oz penne pasta
02 -
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
→ Garden Fresh & Fragrant
03 -
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
04 -
2 tbsp olive oil
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Velvety Cheese Sauce
06 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 -
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
09 -
1 cup heavy cream
10 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
11 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
13 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, then set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown. This forms the aromatic base for your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | Quick Dinner.
03 -
Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet and melt. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will thicken your rich sauce for the Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | Quick Dinner.
04 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, then 1 cup heavy cream, ensuring no lumps. Add 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 -
Add the drained penne pasta and broccoli, along with 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step brings together all the delicious components of your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | Quick Dinner. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 -
Season the Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta | Quick Dinner with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, before serving immediately. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, ensure you only add it to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
02 -
Store any leftover Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
03 -
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt smoothly and prevents lumps, ensuring a truly velvety texture for your pasta dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Measuring cups
04 -
Measuring spoons
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Knife
07 -
Colander
08 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 985 kcal
Total Fat: 57 g
Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
Protein: 42 g