Easy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta for a Delicious Dinner

Introduction

Have you ever stood in front of the fridge, wondering how to turn leftover rotisserie chicken into a quick, delicious dinner? Many home cooks shy away from combining convenience foods with fresh ingredients, fearing complicated recipes or lackluster flavors. But what if you could create a wholesome, satisfying meal with just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of fresh broccoli? Easy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is tight but your appetite demands something comforting and nutritious.

This dish effortlessly brings together tender shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe that doesn’t just save time—it elevates leftover chicken into a star entrée. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a reliable go-to dinner, this recipe will have you serving up wholesome and vibrant meals in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple yet satisfying pasta dish. Feel free to adapt based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences.

– Rotisserie chicken (2 cups shredded) – Ideal for quick protein; substitute with cooked shredded turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
– Broccoli florets (2 cups) – Fresh or frozen work well; swap with asparagus or green beans if preferred.
– Pasta (8 ounces) – Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent choices. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
– Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth.
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing.
– Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup) – Creates a luscious sauce; use coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free/vegan alternatives.
– Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated) – For richness; nutritional yeast or vegan cheese works as a substitute.
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon) – For a gentle kick.

Timing

– Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chop, shred, and gather ingredients quickly—perfect when multitasking in the kitchen.

– Cook Time: 15 minutes
Bring the pasta to a tender yet firm bite while whipping up the savory sauce and sautéing broccoli.

– Total Time: 25 minutes
A complete meal that comes together faster than many takeout options, pairing convenience with freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce later.

Chef’s tip: Adding a bit of oil to the pasta water prevents sticking, but don’t overdo it—this can keep sauce from clinging to the noodles.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender.

Alternative: Steam broccoli instead for a softer texture without added oil.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cream

Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the broccoli in the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so the cream thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

Chef’s tip: For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard here.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta and Cheese

Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if it feels thick. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Helpful alternative: For a dairy-free version, incorporate nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and use plant-based cream.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Chef’s tip: A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dusting of cracked black pepper adds a gourmet touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a simple snapshot of what each serving (makes about 4 servings) provides nutritionally:

– Approximately 450 calories per serving
– Protein: 35g – thanks to the rotisserie chicken and cheese
– Carbohydrates: 40g – with fiber from pasta and broccoli
– Fat: 15g – mostly from olive oil, cream, and cheese
– Fiber: 5g – from broccoli and whole-grain pasta options
– Key nutrients include Vitamin C (from broccoli), calcium (from cheese), and iron (from chicken)

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to boost nutritional value without sacrificing flavor, consider these swaps:

– Use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta for additional fiber and protein.
– Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or silken tofu blended smooth to reduce saturated fat.
– Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more micronutrients.
– Omit cheese or choose reduced-fat versions to lower calorie and fat content.
– Use low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Make this dish shine by pairing it with complementary flavors and seasonal touches:

– Serve with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
– Crusty garlic bread on the side enhances the meal with wonderful texture.
– For colder months, add roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions on top.
– Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch and a nutty accent.
– Pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect dinner experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your dinner delicious and stress-free, watch out for these pitfalls:

– Overcooking broccoli: This can result in mushy, dull-tasting veggies. Aim for tender-crisp.
– Not reserving pasta water: The starch helps to bind and loosen the sauce. Without it, the sauce can be too thick or dry.
– Adding cheese too early: Adding Parmesan too soon can cause it to clump rather than melt smoothly.
– Using dry, bland chicken: Rotisserie chicken is ideal, but if using leftovers, reheat gently to avoid toughness.
– Neglecting seasoning: Salt and fresh cracked pepper bring the dish to life, so taste as you go.

Storing Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep the broccoli vibrant and the sauce creamy.

For longer storage, freeze portions without the cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, then stir in cheese fresh before serving.

Conclusion

Transforming rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli into a creamy pasta dinner is not only easy but packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe delivers a quick, versatile meal perfect for any night of the week. Ready to make dinner effortless and delightful? Try this recipe tonight and share your modifications or favorite pairings in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw slightly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

What pasta shape works best?
Medium-sized shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal as they hold sauce well and complement the broccoli’s texture.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap cream for coconut or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for cheesy notes.

How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use plant-based cream alternatives, and vegan cheese substitutes for a satisfying plant-forward dish.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prep elements like shredded chicken and chopped broccoli in advance. Combine and cook the final steps just before serving for maximum freshness.

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For more quick and delicious pasta recipes, check out our Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta or One-Pot Pesto Pasta. Need kitchen hacks? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Meal Prep for tips to streamline your cooking routine!