EASY ROTISSERIE CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA

Imagine twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, dotted with tender bites of rotisserie chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets – a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying. This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to be a family favorite; I promise you’ll want to add this one to your regular rotation!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

Chicken Champion

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded

Broccoli Boost

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

Cheesy Cream Dream

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Extras

• Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Why I’m Obsessed with This Recipe (and You Will Be Too!)

Okay, let’s be real. Weeknights are chaotic. We need dinners that are quick, easy, and that *everyone* will actually eat. This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta ticks all those boxes, and then some! The beauty of using rotisserie chicken is that it cuts down on cooking time significantly. Plus, it’s already seasoned and perfectly cooked, adding tons of flavor to the dish. The creamy cheese sauce is velvety smooth and coats every strand of pasta and piece of broccoli. You can easily customize the cheese blend to your liking. I love using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick. And the broccoli? Well, it’s not just there for color! It adds a lovely freshness and a boost of nutrients to the meal. If you’re not a broccoli fan, you could easily swap it out for another vegetable like asparagus, peas, or even some sauteed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a great alternative for a recipe like Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, if you don’t want to cook the chicken yourself.

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Pasta Perfection

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. This is liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later!

Step 2: Broccoli Bonanza

1. While the pasta is cooking, steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be cooked through but still have a little bite.
2. Drain the broccoli and set aside.

Step 3: The Creamy, Cheesy Dream Sauce

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy sauce. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: The Grand Finale

1. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the cheese sauce.
2. Toss everything together until well combined.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

1. Serve the Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes (if desired) and fresh parsley.

Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’ve All Been There!

• Sauce Too Thick? Don’t panic! Just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also use milk or chicken broth.
• Sauce Too Thin? Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
• Chicken Too Dry? If your rotisserie chicken is a little on the dry side, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pasta when you toss everything together.
• Broccoli Too Mushy? Make sure you don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Steaming is a great way to avoid overcooking.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is delicious as is, but it’s also a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Some Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Or for a smoky, spicy flavor, try making Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
• Go Green: Add some spinach or kale to the pasta for extra nutrients. Just toss it in with the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Bulk It Up: Add some cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add Some Veggies: Sauté some mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers and add them to the pasta along with the broccoli. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or even a little bit of blue cheese.
• Try Different Pasta Shapes: While penne and rotini are great options, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Bowties, shells, or even spaghetti would work well.
• Make it a Bake: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity. This is also a good idea for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta to give it more depth.
• Try a Different Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something different, try using a pesto sauce or a creamy tomato sauce instead of the cheese sauce.
• Make It Cajun: Incorporate the essence of Cajun cuisine similar to Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet for a zesty twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the pasta is dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating. If you like it cheesy, you may love Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts: Dinner Success is Within Reach!

This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a total winner in my book. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and, most importantly, delicious! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!