ROTISSERIE CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA EASY

Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, dotted with tender bites of rotisserie chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets. This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, offering a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort, and I promise, it’s so good, even your pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
• 6 cups water, for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, don’t skip the salt – it seasons the pasta from the inside out!
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help bind the sauce to the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Make the Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt, depending on your broth and cheese.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and broccoli florets to the sauce.
2. Stir to combine and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If you like your broccoli softer, cook it a little longer.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken, broccoli, and sauce.
2. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up too!

Tips and Tricks for Pasta Perfection

Rotisserie Chicken Rescue

The beauty of this recipe lies in the convenience of using rotisserie chicken. It’s a total time-saver! If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken on hand, you can use leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken (drained well). Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Broccoli Bliss

If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with other vegetables like asparagus, peas, spinach, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Sauce SOS

If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth, or even some of that reserved pasta water, to thin it out. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Cheese, Please!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! A little Gruyere or Asiago adds a delicious depth of flavor. Just remember that some cheeses are saltier than others, so adjust the salt in the sauce accordingly.

Spice It Up (or Down)

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of spice, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick!

Variations to Make It Your Own

Creamy Dreamy

For an even creamier sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce at the end. Stir until smooth and melted.

Lemon Love

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor. This is especially delicious with chicken and broccoli!

Mushroom Magic

Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy and savory twist.

Sun-Dried Tomato Sensation

Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor and a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

For a potluck, you may consider Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole or Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

For a cozier take, perhaps Chicken Pot Pie Pasta would be a good dish?

If you are looking for a more aromatic dish, you may try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta.

Alternatively, Chicken Broccoli Orzo may be to your liking.

And lastly, Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne With Parmesan Cream Sauce would be an exciting choice!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can easily make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, add the chicken and broccoli, and toss with the sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Your New Weeknight Hero

This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes. So go ahead, give it a try – I know you’ll love it!