Description
A delicious creamy pasta dish loaded with rotisserie chicken and broccoli.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they soften but keep a slight crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. You’ll smell that cozy, familiar aroma of home-cooked meals right away.
- Build the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through, creating a velvety sauce. This is when the dish begins to feel indulgent.
- Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine it all together: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the cheesy sauce. Let it all warm together for 2–3 minutes until the flavors meld.
- Serve warm: Dish it up hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper. You’ll get tender pasta, juicy chicken, and bites of vibrant broccoli in every forkful.
Notes
- This recipe is great for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg