Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Update : December 26, 2025

Creamy rotisserie chicken broth pasta with broccoli served in a bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and brings together comforting flavors of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Plus, using a rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, making this meal quick and satisfying. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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 the package directions until it’s al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the 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.
In the largest skillet you have, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges; do not let it reach a rolling boil.
Remove the skillet from the heat completely. This step is important to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses 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 with tongs 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 cold knob of butter just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this delicious pasta dish hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente since it will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Variation

If you’re looking for a twist, you can try different types of cheese such as gouda or cheddar. You can also swap the rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just add it directly to the boiling pasta water.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the rotisserie chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in some extra veggies for protein, like chickpeas.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes! You can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine when you’re ready to eat.