This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your new go-to for a speedy, satisfying, and incredibly nutritious meal. Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- 1 pound whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a breeze to whip up, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It all comes together in one pot (or two, if you cook pasta separately), creating a flavorful, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish with minimal cleanup. You’ll love the tender broccoli, savory chicken, and perfectly coating sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: 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, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions for thawing or adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded or diced rotisserie chicken. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The starch from the pasta water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
You’ll adore this High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta for its incredible versatility and sheer deliciousness. The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent rotisserie chicken, which elevates this dish beyond your average weeknight pasta, while tender-crisp broccoli adds a healthy, vibrant crunch. It’s a fantastic way to save money and time by utilizing pre-cooked chicken, offering a gourmet meal experience without the hefty restaurant price tag or extensive prep time.
Unlike plain chicken alfredo, this pasta boasts a hearty whole wheat base, packed with protein and fiber, making it a truly satisfying and guilt-free indulgence. Topped with a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan and the optional kick of red pepper flakes, each bite is an explosion of savory comfort. Don’t wait – add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your meal rotation and experience a delightful twist on a classic!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta will ensure you can enjoy its deliciousness even after the initial meal.
- Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from becoming dry. Stir frequently until heated through.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a small amount of liquid to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: This pasta freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a true kitchen hero, offering a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and speed. Give it a try tonight for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. You’ll be so glad you did!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.1 pound whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 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, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions for thawing or adjust cooking time as needed.4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium), 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Stir in the shredded or diced rotisserie chicken. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.1 pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The starch from the pasta water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.1 pound whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well), 1 pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Serve the High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving, Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)