Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Weeknight (Print Version)
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
12 oz penne pasta
02 -
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from a 2 lb chicken)
03 -
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
→ The Velvety Embrace
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
08 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Aromatic Zest & Seasoning
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
11 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the 4 cups broccoli florets to the pot. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-5 more minutes. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This builds the aromatic base for your Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
03 -
Reduce the heat to low. Add the 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a velvety texture.
04 -
Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice into the sauce. Continue to whisk until the Parmesan is melted and fully incorporated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency for this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
05 -
Add the drained penne pasta, broccoli florets, and 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld together.
06 -
Season the Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta - Quick Weeknight Meal generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and quick weeknight meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Make it a One-Pot Meal: To save on dishes, you can cook the pasta and broccoli directly in the same large pot you'll use for the sauce. Just ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate everything.
02 -
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like fresh spinach (stir in at the very end until wilted) or frozen peas (add with the broccoli) for extra nutrients and color.
03 -
Storage Tip: Leftovers of this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
04 -
Spice It Up: If you love heat, don't hesitate to increase the 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish for an extra kick.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 910 kcal
Total Fat: 52 g
Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
Protein: 41 g