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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Quick High Protein Dinner Recipe


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  • Author: James Carter
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a quick and satisfying high-protein dinner with this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a weeknight favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about ½ a medium chicken)
  • 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole milk recommended for creaminess)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. 2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. 3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. If using fresh, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen, add directly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cook until warmed through.
  4. 4. Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. 5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust.
  6. 6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Notes

Refrigerate promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Avoid freezing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed. Broccoli may soften further upon reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Estimated 550-650
  • Sugar: Estimated 6-8g
  • Sodium: Estimated 500-700mg
  • Fat: Estimated 20-30g
  • Carbohydrates: Estimated 50-60g
  • Fiber: Estimated 4-6g
  • Protein: Estimated 30-40g