Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta with rotisserie chicken. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying cravings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Protein Base

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
02 - 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

→ Freshness & Flavor Foundation

03 - 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups whole milk
10 - 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Make sure to generously salt the water – it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself, and honestly, this is where I always forget to salt the water enough! Once it’s boiling, toss in your pasta. About 3-4 minutes before the pasta is al dente, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. They’ll cook together, saving you a pan. Drain everything, but remember to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you do!
02 - While your pasta is doing its thing, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It’s one of those kitchen moments that just makes everything feel right. Sauté it for about 60 seconds, just until it's fragrant but not browned – burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing, and I’ve definitely made that mistake before. Keep it moving, friend, you don't want to ruin your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta from the start.
03 - Now, sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter. Stir it constantly for about a minute, creating a paste. This is your roux, the magical base for our creamy sauce! It might look a little clumpy at first, but keep stirring. It should smell slightly nutty, not burnt. This step is crucial for thickening, so don’t rush it. I remember trying to rush this once, and the sauce was watery. Never again!
04 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, a little at a time, making sure to smooth out any lumps as you go. This takes a bit of patience, but it's worth it for a velvety sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken up nicely. You'll see it coating the back of your spoon. This is where the magic really starts to happen for your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta!
05 - Once the sauce is thick, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, a good handful of Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. 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 always taste it here and adjust seasonings; sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes a little more pepper. Trust your taste buds!
06 - Finally, add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are completely coated in that glorious, creamy sauce. The smell at this point is just incredible – garlicky, cheesy, comforting! Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little more Parmesan, if you're feeling extra. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is best enjoyed right away, warm and inviting.

# Notes:

01 - Don't be shy with the pasta water—it's liquid gold for that silky sauce!
02 - This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta reheats beautifully, but a splash of milk or broth helps revive the sauce.
03 - If you're out of rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken works just as well, honestly.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end really brightens up this whole Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet or Dutch oven
03 - whisk
04 - colander

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 45-55g
Protein: 35-45g

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