After a long day, there’s nothing more comforting than a creamy bowl of pasta; and this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta delivers all the cozy vibes with none of the hassle. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves you time; while the tender meat, crisp-tender broccoli, and rich, velvety sauce come together in just 30 minutes for a truly satisfying dinner.
This isn’t your average weeknight dinner; it’s a clever way to turn simple staples into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or hungry adults, this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta hits all the right notes.
It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy to love; exactly the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. And if you're anything like me, you’ll find this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta quietly becoming your favorite no-fuss dinner hero.
Why This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Stands Out
What makes this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta so special? It’s the perfect mix of easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing. With just a few simple tweaks, it can become a rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta casserole; just add cheese and bake until golden—or even a pasta bake for something heartier.
Unlike most leftover chicken recipes, this dish balances textures and flavors beautifully; the crisp broccoli, tender chicken, and creamy sauce create a comforting bite every time. It pairs effortlessly with Caesar salad, garlic bread, or even a chilled white wine.
Best of all, rotisserie chicken brings rich, seasoned flavor with zero extra effort. This rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is the kind of go-to meal that’s perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- Rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
Making this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta your own is easy with a few smart swaps:
- Pasta: Penne is a great choice, but rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni all do a fine job of catching that creamy sauce.
- Chicken: No rotisserie on hand? No problem; just use about 3 cups of cooked chicken breast, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli works just as well; just thaw and drain it well so your sauce doesn’t get watery.
- Cream: For a lighter take, swap in half-and-half. It’s not quite as rich, but still creamy and satisfying.
- Cheese: No Parmesan? Romano’s a solid stand-in. And if mozzarella’s not around, any good melting cheese will do the trick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth is gluten-free too.
Instructions
Cook Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions.
- During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the same pot.
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain everything together.
Make the Base
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add Cheese and Season
- Remove skillet from heat.
- Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat.
- Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken gently.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
- Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Cook pasta and broccoli together in one pot to save time and dishes.
- Step 2: Make the Base
Sauté onion and garlic, then add cream and broth to form the sauce base.
- Step 3: Add Cheese and Season
Stir in cheeses and seasoning off heat to keep the sauce smooth.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce until evenly coated.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- The secret to truly exceptional rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta comes down to two things; timing and temperature. When it’s time to add the cheese, take the sauce off the heat first. This small step keeps it smooth and creamy; no grainy surprises from overheated dairy.
- Want to elevate the flavor even more? Add a splash of white wine to your sautéed onions and garlic before the cream goes in. Let it simmer briefly to cook off the alcohol; what’s left behind is a depth that makes your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta taste like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
- For the best bite, use both white and dark meat from your rotisserie chicken. The dark meat stays juicy and adds richness, while the white meat brings that classic, clean chicken flavor. Together, they make the perfect base for this comforting dish.
- And whatever you do; don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but still vibrant and slightly firm. That crisp texture is key to balancing the creamy sauce and tender pasta in your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta masterpiece.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
- Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Turn your stovetop favorite into a cozy baked dish. Simply transfer the finished rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes; until the top is golden and bubbling. It’s an excellent option for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.
- Healthy Modifications
Want a lighter take on this comfort classic? Swap half the cream for Greek yogurt, and load it up with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Whole wheat pasta is another smart upgrade that adds fiber without sacrificing flavor; your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta will still be deliciously satisfying. - Keto-Friendly Version
For a low-carb spin, skip the pasta and use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead. To keep that creamy, cheesy feel, bump up the cheese and cream just a bit. This variation becomes a keto-friendly, cheesy chicken broccoli pasta that still delivers on richness and comfort. - Vegan Alternative
While traditional rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta leans on poultry, you can still capture a similar flavor profile with plant-based swaps. Try using seasoned chickpeas or crispy tofu for protein; coconut cream for richness; and nutritional yeast in place of cheese. It’s a flavorful, vegan-friendly twist that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
Equipment Needed
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch preferred)
- Colander for draining
- Cheese grater or microplane
- Whisk
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator Storage
Your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. In fact, the flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, making this dish ideal for meal prep. When reheating, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce; it thickens quite a bit when chilled. Gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for best results. - Freezing Instructions
While creamy pasta dishes like rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta bake can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. For best quality, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat slowly with a bit of added cream or milk to bring back that silky smoothness.
To avoid mushy pasta, consider undercooking it just slightly before freezing. That way, when you reheat your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta, the texture stays satisfying—not soggy.
The Silky Secret Behind Every Bite
Want to know the little restaurant trick that makes your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta taste like it came from a high-end bistro? It’s something I picked up years ago from a chef friend, and once you try it, you’ll never skip it again. Right before serving, stir in a cold knob of butter; yes, just plain butter—into the warm sauce.
This simple step, called “mounting the sauce,” transforms the texture completely. The butter melts slowly, emulsifying into the sauce and giving it a rich, velvety finish that hugs every bite of pasta and broccoli. It’s the kind of touch that turns an easy dinner into something a little more magical. Your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta just leveled up.
FAQ
How do I reheat rotisserie chicken for pasta?
Shred the chicken and warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream. This keeps it juicy and perfect for mixing into your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
How do you cook chicken and broccoli pasta bake?
Combine everything in a greased 9x13 dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How can I make rotisserie chicken more exciting?
Season it with garlic, chili flakes, or lemon zest. Mix light and dark meat for flavor depth, or pair it with a rich sauce like in rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
How should I store leftover chicken pasta bake?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of cream when reheating. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
One Skillet, Endless Comfort
If you ask me, this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is proof that a weeknight dinner can be both simple and wildly satisfying. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with protein and veggies ; all in one pan. Whether you’re scooping it straight from the skillet or baking it into a golden-topped casserole, it’s one of those meals that quietly earns its place in your regular dinner rotation.
And hey, if you're loving this kind of cozy, comforting food, don’t miss my Chicken Tetrazzini with Cream Cheese for a rich and cheesy twist, or the Creamy Broccoli Pasta ;a veggie-forward dish that’s just as comforting, minus the meat.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how your rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta turned out! Share your spin in the comments, rate the recipe, and pass it along to a friend who needs a new dinner favorite (or two).
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe:
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Colander
- 1 Cheese grater
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- – Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
- – Add broccoli in the last 3 minutes of pasta boiling time. Drain.
- – In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and butter.
- – Stir in cream and broth; simmer gently.
- – Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella.
- – Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- – Toss in cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken. Add pasta water if needed.
- – Stir in a knob of cold butter before serving for silky texture.
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