Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Update : March 2, 2026

Creamy chicken pasta with rotisserie chicken and broccoli dish

why make this recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a delightful meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. It combines tender noodles, nutritious broccoli, and flavorful rotisserie chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Plus, it uses convenient precooked chicken, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering a satisfying homemade meal. You’ll love how quickly you can whip this up while still serving a dinner that feels special.

how to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
1 whole rotisserie chicken (3-4 lbs, shredded, about 4 cups meat)
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced fine)
1 medium yellow onion (diced small)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (whole milk, shredded)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Save 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Set them aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat everything. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken last.
Stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Just before serving, mix in a small knob of cold butter for an extra touch of richness.
Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

how to serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta warm in bowls. You can top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese or sprinkle fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish goes well with a side salad or some garlic bread to make it a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular penne.
Feel free to add other vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, to boost nutrition.
Make it more flavorful by using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.

variation

You can easily swap out the rotisserie chicken for grilled shrimp or even some sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cheeses as well; for example, using a mix of cheddar and gouda can add a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s thawed and shredded before adding it to the dish.

2. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little flour to thicken the sauce.

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply switch the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative, and ensure that the chicken broth is also gluten-free.