Description
A creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with tender rotisserie chicken and bright green broccoli, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. This recipe combines convenience with comfort, giving you a flavorful dish in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
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3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly boiled
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12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
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Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if desired.
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Add cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best results. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Extra cheese on top enhances flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes