Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

why make this recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and juicy rotisserie chicken all coated in a delicious creamy sauce. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a wonderful way to use leftover chicken. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets directly to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in your largest skillet over medium-low heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Look for small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
4. Remove the skillet from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until completely smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat everything evenly. Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken last.
6. 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 Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread on the side.

how to store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it helps create a silky sauce.
• Feel free to add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can easily swap the penne pasta for any pasta shape you prefer. For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. Additionally, if you want to spice it up, add some cooked sausage or a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and the creamy sauce separately ahead of time. Combine them just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can replace Parmesan and mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gouda.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it’s not ideal to freeze creamy pasta dishes, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Just be aware that the texture may change once thawed.

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