Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or other short pasta); 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, one-pan dinner that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal using simple ingredients and leftover rotisserie chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish turns leftover rotisserie chicken into a brand-new, flavorful dinner in just one pot. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. It’s family-friendly, versatile, and takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels like comfort food but still manages to sneak in a good serving of vegetables. Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotisserie chicken, shredded
Pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta of choice)
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Heavy cream
Garlic, minced
Olive oil or butter
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Salt and black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, I add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook alongside the pasta. Then I drain them together and set aside.
In the same pot, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. I let it cook for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Next, I stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli. I toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
I finish it off by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a little spice.
I serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if I have any on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. I usually have it ready in about 25 minutes—including prep and cook time—which makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Variations

I sometimes swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even cream cheese if I want a slightly tangier sauce.
For extra flavor, I add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
If I want to make it spicy, I toss in some chopped jalapeños or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.
I also love using whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions when I want to mix things up a bit.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. I avoid high heat so the sauce stays smooth and creamy. Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

FAQs

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick when reheating?

I usually stir in a little broth or milk while reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen broccoli all the time. I just add it directly to the pasta water a couple of minutes before the pasta finishes cooking.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I prefer short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli because they hold the creamy sauce really well, but any pasta I have on hand will work.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make it ahead and store it in portions for quick lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully with just a little added liquid.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve made a version with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese. It’s not quite as rich, but still creamy and satisfying.

Conclusion

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of my go-to dinners when I want something comforting, quick, and full of flavor. It makes the most of leftover chicken, is easy to customize, and brings everyone to the table with its rich, creamy goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight or I’m feeding a crowd, it always hits the spot.