Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Update : December 26, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. It combines tender pasta with creamy sauce, fresh broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken. This meal makes a delicious and satisfying dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family without much fuss. The use of rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, while the creamy sauce brings it all together in a comforting way.

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb penne pasta
1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a cold knob of butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To serve this tasty dish, simply plate the creamy chicken and pasta mixture in bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. You may also microwave individual portions for convenience.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Using freshly grated cheeses will give you a creamier and more flavorful sauce.

Variation

You can make this dish even more comforting by swapping out the penne pasta for other shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. For some heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or spicy sausage.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture, but be careful with the heat to avoid curdling.

Can I freeze Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.