Description
Quick High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in 35 mins! Creamy, satisfying, and easy weeknight dinner. Family-friendly and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups cooked chicken)
- 12 oz short pasta (like penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Flavor Boosters:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pantry Staples:
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Fresh Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta & Prep Broccoli:: First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Don’t forget to salt the water generously—this is where I always forget to salt the water, and it makes all the difference in the world! While that’s heating up, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Once the water is at a rolling boil, toss in your pasta. Cook it according to package directions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. They’ll cook right along with the pasta, saving you an extra pan! Drain it all, but save about a cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for this High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics:: While your pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven. Drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until it smells amazing and fragrant – but don’t let it burn! I’ve definitely scorched garlic before, and that bitter taste just ruins everything. You want it golden and sweet, filling your kitchen with that wonderful aroma. This step is crucial for building the base flavor for your High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
- Build the Creamy Sauce:: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic mixture and stir it around for about a minute. It’ll look like a paste, that’s your roux! Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Seriously, whisk like your life depends on it! Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and dried oregano. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon. This is where the magic starts to happen for this High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
- Add Chicken & Cheese:: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, stirring until it’s smooth and creamy. The chicken will warm through and absorb some of that delicious sauce. Taste it here! This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. Add salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, the rotisserie chicken and Parmesan already have some salt, so go easy at first. You want a balanced flavor for your High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
- Combine & Finish:: Now for the grand finale! Add your drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and broccoli are thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. I often find I need a quarter cup or so to get it just right. This step brings all the elements of your High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta together into one cohesive, glorious dish.
- Serve It Up:: Divide the High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta among serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of the remaining fresh Parmesan cheese and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. A little extra red pepper flake never hurt anyone, if you’re into that! Serve it immediately, while it’s still warm and the sauce is perfectly creamy. The vibrant green of the broccoli, the tender chicken, and that rich sauce just sing together. Enjoy your quick, satisfying, and high protein meal!