Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Published by Ilyas, Date :

January 11, 2026

Creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs

The Best Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. It conjures up memories of family dinners and laughter lingering in the air. When I first experimented with this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. It brought me back to those chilly Sunday evenings where the kitchen was warm, filled with the scent of garlic and bubbling cheese. If you’re like me, always on the lookout for easy weeknight dinners that feel like home in a bowl, this recipe is a winner!

The beauty of using a rotisserie chicken in this dish is that it gives you the flavor and protein boost with almost zero effort. I still remember the first time I tried to make this from scratch. My chicken roasting skills? Let’s just say they needed some serious work. I learned the hard way that Mondays are not the best time to decide to cook a whole chicken for dinner—it was a disaster of epic proportions, but it did teach me to find shortcuts along the way.

Using a pre-cooked chicken not only cuts down on time but also simplifies weekday cooking—because let’s be real, who wants to be rushing around after a long day at work? We need comfort, warmth, and the satisfaction of a delicious home-cooked meal without sacrificing our sanity!

So, let’s set the scene: picture yourself in a cozy evening glow, maybe your favorite playlist on in the background. You’ve got your ingredients ready, and the week ahead looms, but this dish feels like a warm hug. The smell of garlic sautéing fills your kitchen, and before you know it, you have a delectable pasta dish that, honestly, feels like a big comforting blanket on your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy goodness envelops the pasta and chicken, bringing the warmth of home to your table. Seriously, it feels like a hug in a bowl.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, deep flavor profile that will make your taste buds sing.
Picky-Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike fall head over heels for this creamy pasta. It’s the perfect solution for those "what’s for dinner?" meltdowns.
Leftover Heaven: If you happen to have any leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully! It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Meal-Prep Winner: Make a big batch and portion it out for the week. It’s a fantastic addition to your healthy meal plans and can easily be adapted for budget-friendly recipes.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe isn’t just your average pasta dish. It’s got memories tied to it—like laughter shared over dinner and the satisfaction of cooking something delicious with minimal fuss. The unusual use of rotisserie chicken not only gives it a boost of flavor but also makes it a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers. Plus, that creamy sauce? A little bit of heavy cream mixed with chicken broth and generous handfuls of cheese create a texture that is downright luxurious.

And let’s not forget the broccoli! It’s the unsung hero here, adding a lovely pop of color and a sweet crunch. To be real, I sometimes sneak in more veggies just to feel slightly less guilty while indulging in all that cream and cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta: I love penne for its texture—the little tubes hold onto the sauce brilliantly! You can swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat): Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds robust flavor.
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Fresh gives a crisp bite, while frozen can make things super easy—either works.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions nicely.
3 cloves garlic (minced fine): A must for flavor! The smell of garlic sizzling in the pan is irresistible.
1 medium yellow onion (diced small): For sweetness and depth. Pay attention not to overcook it—soft is the game!
2 tbsp butter: I swear by butter; it brings everything together in a silky way.
1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens. It creates a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium): To enhance the chicken flavor without overwhelming it.
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Don’t cut corners here—freshly grated melts better!
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded): For that beautiful stretchy texture.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give a nice herbaceous note.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: More garlic, please! It rounds out the flavor.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of spice if you like a little kick.

Note on Ingredient Prep

There’s nothing like getting all my ingredients prepped and lined up like soldiers before beginning. It makes the process smoother. Trust me, it avoids chaos, which is often my cooking trademark. Pro tip: if you’re using frozen broccoli, just toss it in the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking—it’s a total game-changer!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. This is key—don’t skimp on the salt! It flavors the pasta as it cooks. Toss in your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Here comes the fun part—about 3 minutes before your pasta is done, throw the broccoli florets directly into the pot with the pasta. What a timesaver! Drain both the pasta and broccoli together, but don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. That stuff is liquid gold!
In your largest skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, toss in the diced onion. Let it sizzle and soften for about 4-5 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Once the onions are softened, add in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Just don’t let it burn—burnt garlic is the worst!
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer, looking for those tiny bubbles around the edges. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to let it boil.
Here’s a crucial step: take the skillet off the heat completely before adding your cheeses. This prevents the cheese from getting grainy. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella until it’s all melty and smooth. It should be like velvet!
Now, sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you want, the red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix!
Toss your drained pasta and broccoli into that creamy concoction, gently using tongs to coat every piece. I sometimes get a little carried away and end up with pasta everywhere. Oops!
Now for the secret weapon: fold in that shredded rotisserie chicken last, letting it warm through.
Add in your reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring gently until you reach a creamy, glossy consistency. And for that restaurant-quality finish, stir in a small cold knob of butter just before serving. Honestly, you won’t regret it!

And voilà! You have a pot of pure creamy, cheesy goodness.

Save

Tips for Best Results

Quality Ingredients Matter: The fresher your ingredients, especially the cheese, the better your dish will taste. It’s worth the trip to your local cheese shop or farmer’s market.
Don’t Rush the Onions and Garlic: That sweet, softened onion is the backbone of the flavor. If you rush it, you might miss out on that sweet, caramelized depth.
Starchy Pasta Water is Your Friend: Always reserve that water! It helps you control the sauce’s thickness and keeps it from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Pasta: Swap penne for any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or rotini. They’ll all work wonderfully!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is easy but if you’re feeling adventurous, grilled chicken or even turkey can work.
Cheese: Don’t have mozzarella? You can substitute it with gouda or even cheddar for a different taste.
Veggies: This is your playground! Spinach, peas, or even bell peppers work beautifully if you want to switch things up.

Directions

In a large pot, boil water. Salt it generously.
Cook penne until al dente, adding broccoli for the last three minutes. Reserve pasta water before draining.
Sauté onion in olive oil and butter, then add garlic.
Pour in cream and broth, simmer, then off heat mix in cheeses.
Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken in the sauce, adding reserved water as needed.

This and a rom-com is perfection, trust me!

Pairing Ideas

Drinks: A nice crisp white wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic drink complements this dish beautifully.
Sides: A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette would balance the richness nicely.
Dessert: Finish your meal with something light and refreshing, like sorbet or a fruit salad, to cleanse the palate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers are seriously the best part of this dish! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat with a splush of broth or cream to help bring back that creaminess. Just keep an eye on it to prevent sticking!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can prep the chicken and chop your veggies ahead of time. For a freezer-friendly version, prepare everything except the pasta—just cook that fresh. Pasta doesn’t freeze well when mixed in a creamy sauce. Instead, store the sauce and chicken separately and combine them after thawing on a busy weeknight!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Seasoning the Water: This mistake can lead to bland pasta. Don’t skip the salt!
Overcooking: Watch those onions and garlic—overcooked can lead to bitterness.
Not Reserving Pasta Water: This is essential for a glossy sauce. Forgetting it is like leaving the best part out of a story!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use whole wheat pasta? Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great way to add some fiber to your meal.
How do I make this dish vegetarian? You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead.
Can I make this dairy-free? Sure! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan cheese, or simply leave out the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling
Colander for draining
Large skillet for the sauce
Whisk for mixing
Tongs for tossing everything together

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a treasure of home cooking that brings everything cozy to your table. It’s easy, comforting, and a simple joy to prepare and share with loved ones. If you’ve had your share of kitchen chaos, this dish is a perfect remedy. I’d love to hear about your variations or any kitchen disasters you encountered along the way!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!