Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli); 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes; Optional: 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Optional: fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting meal made with tender pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish I love to make when I want something cozy, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when I still want a homemade dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes the most of rotisserie chicken, turning leftovers into a creamy, satisfying meal. The broccoli adds a pop of color and freshness, while the pasta and sauce bring that perfect comfort food element. It’s a balanced, one-pot-style dinner that’s both hearty and easy to clean up after. Plus, it’s super flexible and family-friendly.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotisserie chicken, shredded
Pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Garlic, minced
Olive oil or butter
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Salt and black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, I add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Then I drain both and set them aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes to slightly thicken.
I stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli, tossing everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
I add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat.
I serve it hot, with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 25 minutes total. It’s an ideal option for weeknights when I want something fast, filling, and homemade.

Variations

I sometimes use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.
When I want more veggies, I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
I swap the cream for cream cheese or a bit of Greek yogurt when I want a lighter version.
I use different cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a twist.
For a flavor boost, I add a splash of white wine to the pan before the cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. I avoid high heat so the sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I often use frozen broccoli—just add it to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking. It works perfectly.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

I like using short pasta like penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta I have on hand works fine.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep it in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, I’ve used whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be lighter but still creamy—just simmer it a bit longer to thicken.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion it into containers and reheat throughout the week. It holds up well and stays flavorful.

Conclusion

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into something warm, rich, and satisfying. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor—perfect for when I want a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether I’m feeding the family or cooking just for myself, this dish is always a go-to.