Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Update : December 22, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is not only simple to make but also uses leftovers in a tasty way, making it budget-friendly. Everyone will love the cheesy goodness and the satisfying flavors!

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. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Cook the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the cheese to avoid graininess. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is completely smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
Add the 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

Serve this creamy pasta dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped herbs, if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic or Italian herbs if you like.
For extra flavor, consider adding some cooked bacon or sausage into the dish.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe by using different vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers. You can also switch up the type of cheese based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as rigatoni or fusilli, depending on your preference.

Is it okay to use frozen rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and broccoli, then combine everything.