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. 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. 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. 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. Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- 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. 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