Quick High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A quick and easy high-protein pasta dish featuring rotisserie chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken white or dark meat
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets fresh or frozen
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup chicken broth 240 ml
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop 2 cups of broccoli florets into small chunks.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic and set aside.
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes until al dente.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes to blanch until tender-crisp. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
Combining
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Toss over low heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and flavors meld.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
For a presentation upgrade, plate the dish in individual bowls and top with fresh herbs. Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. A dusting of smoked paprika can enhance flavor.