Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Ultimate
This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal made with tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's ready in under 30 minutes and can be easily customized with different vegetables, proteins, and cheeses.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk whole milk or 2%
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley optional
- Lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, do not rinse.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a nice touch.
Notes
Don't overcook the pasta. Use fresh broccoli for best flavor. Adjust the sauce thickness as needed. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gruyere. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This pasta dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a little more milk or chicken broth when reheating. Substitute the broccoli with asparagus, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Try using grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or chickpeas instead of rotisserie chicken.