ROTISSERIE CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA BEST

Imagine twirling your fork around a creamy, cheesy bite, punctuated by tender rotisserie chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli – that’s Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in a nutshell. This dish is comfort food elevated, and it’s about to become your weeknight go-to. Get ready to experience pasta perfection with this recipe!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work great!)
• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

For the Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed (about half of a standard rotisserie chicken)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Let’s Talk Ingredients: Choosing Wisely

Okay, friend, let’s break down these ingredients a bit. I want you to feel confident and empowered in your kitchen!

• Pasta: Honestly, any short pasta shape will work. Penne is classic, but rotini catches the sauce beautifully. Farfalle (bowtie) is fun and adds a nice visual touch. Use what you love!
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is fantastic, but frozen broccoli florets are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pasta. Nobody likes watery pasta!
• Butter: Real butter is key for a rich, flavorful sauce. Don’t skimp on this one!
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is *always* better than the jarred stuff. Trust me on this. The flavor is more vibrant and aromatic.
• Milk & Chicken Broth: Using a combination of milk and chicken broth creates a creamy sauce that’s not too heavy. The broth adds depth of flavor.
• Parmesan & Romano: A blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses adds a complex, nutty flavor to the sauce. If you only have Parmesan, that’s perfectly fine too!
• Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the show! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves you time and effort. Plus, it’s already perfectly seasoned and cooked. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken, but rotisserie is definitely the easiest option.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Pasta Perfection is Within Reach

Alright, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow instructions.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
3. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Drain the pasta and broccoli well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, 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 of flour.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
7. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
3. Heat through for a few minutes, until everything is warmed through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’ve All Been There

Let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce is too thick: Add a little extra milk or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a quick fix.
• Broccoli is mushy: Make sure you don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy. If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta.
• Chicken is dry: If your rotisserie chicken seems a little dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to the pasta to help moisten it up.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking!

• Add Vegetables: Get some extra greens in! Spinach, peas, or asparagus would be delicious additions. Just add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking time.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. You can also use a spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover (like me!), feel free to add more cheese to the sauce. Mozzarella, provolone, or fontina would all be great choices.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Different Protein: While this recipe highlights Rotisserie Chicken, consider using shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas to change it up.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to this rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would be a delicious and healthy side dish.

Other Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’re a fan of chicken and pasta (and who isn’t?!), here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• If you’re looking for something extra decadent, try Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine.
• Looking for a simpler bake? Then Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a great choice.
• Or try Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• For a healthy pasta dish, consider Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne.
• Another fantastic bake recipe is Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process!

Making this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, don’t forget to savor every delicious bite! Happy cooking, my friend!