Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Update : January 17, 2026

Creamy rotisserie chicken pasta with broccoli in a bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. It combines the convenience of rotisserie chicken with fresh broccoli and creamy sauce, all tossed together with pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also satisfying, making it a great choice for everyone at the table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

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 a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, looking for small bubbles around the edges.
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the cheese to avoid graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. Stir in a small knob of cold butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta warm, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

For a quicker option, purchase pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from the store.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Always taste the sauce before adding salt, as the cheese and chicken can add flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas. For a different flavor, try using different types of cheese like cheddar or asiago.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as fusilli, bowties, or even gluten-free pasta.

2. Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe; just add it to the pasta at the same time as fresh broccoli.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just combine them before serving, and add a bit of liquid to bring back the creamy texture when reheating.

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it an easy and satisfying meal for everyone. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!