Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner is a comforting, family-friendly meal that combines tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a creamy, oven-baked sauce. This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who want big flavor without complicated steps, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner
This dish brings together convenience and classic comfort in one satisfying bake.
- Uses ready-made rotisserie chicken to save time
- Creamy, cheesy pasta that kids and adults both enjoy
- Balanced with broccoli for color and texture
- Easy to customize with pantry ingredients
- Ideal for leftovers and make-ahead meals
If you’re looking for a reliable dinner that feels hearty but approachable, this pasta bake delivers every time.
Ingredients for Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner
Pasta & Main Ingredients
- Short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni) – 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Broccoli florets – 300 g (about 10 oz)
- Rotisserie chicken, shredded – 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Butter – 10 g (2 teaspoons)
Creamy Sauce
- Heavy cream – 300 ml (1¼ cups)
- Dijon mustard – 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic powder – ¾ teaspoon (2 g)
- Onion powder – ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (3 g), or to taste
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (1 g)
Cheese & Topping
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated – 50 g (½ cup)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 40 g (⅓ cup)
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried) – 1 teaspoon (1 g)
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Pasta: Any short-cut pasta works well. Avoid thin strands like spaghetti, which don’t hold the sauce as effectively.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is ideal, but leftover roasted or poached chicken also works.
- Cream: For a lighter version, replace half the cream with whole milk, noting the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar can be used if Parmesan isn’t available.
- Vegetables: Cauliflower or peas can be added alongside broccoli for variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and return to the pot. Stir in the butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3 – Combine Everything
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, grated Parmesan, and thyme to the pasta and broccoli. Pour in the cream mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
Step 5 – Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Salt the pasta water generously to build flavor from the start.
- Add broccoli late to keep it bright green and tender-crisp.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overbake—remove once bubbly to keep the pasta creamy.
- Let the bake rest briefly so the sauce thickens naturally.
Flavor Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Add a second layer of cheese halfway through baking.
- Garlic Lovers: Stir in one minced garlic clove with the sauce.
- Herb Twist: Replace thyme with basil or parsley.
- Spicy Touch: Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with blanched cauliflower florets.
Serving Suggestions
Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner pairs well with:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Roasted vegetables for extra color
It’s hearty enough to stand alone but flexible for complete meals.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until warmed through.
Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner is a creamy, comforting, family-friendly meal combining tender rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and pasta baked in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 300 g short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 300 g broccoli florets
- 300 g shredded rotisserie chicken
- 10 g butter
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 15 ml Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 g finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 40 g shredded mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water; add broccoli during the last 2 minutes. Drain and stir in butter.
- Whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded chicken, Parmesan, and thyme to the pasta. Pour in the cream mixture and stir to coat.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Salt pasta water generously, add broccoli at the end, use freshly grated cheese, and avoid overbaking to keep the pasta creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
FAQ About Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well first to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short shapes like penne or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce evenly.
How do I prevent dry pasta bake?
Avoid overbaking and make sure there is enough sauce before baking.
Can I make it without an oven?
You can serve it as a stovetop creamy pasta, but the baked version offers better texture.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dinner is an easy, satisfying meal that combines convenience with classic comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this creamy pasta bake delivers reliable flavor and warm, homemade appeal.