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- Shredded rotisserie chicken - Pasta variety (penne or fusilli) - Fresh broccoli florets - Cherry tomatoes - Garlic - Olive oil - Lemon (zest and juice) - Red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper - Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil The main ingredients give this dish its heart. The rotisserie chicken adds rich flavor. I love using penne or fusilli pasta; both hold sauce well. Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and color. They also bring healthy nutrients to the plate. For the additional ingredients, cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Garlic gives depth and a lovely aroma. I use extra virgin olive oil to sauté the garlic; it brings a nice richness. Lemon zest and juice offer brightness. Red pepper flakes can spice things up, but you can skip them if you prefer mild. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. I like to finish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the pasta beautifully. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch. Together, these ingredients create a tasty and vibrant dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, as per the instructions on the package. In the last three minutes, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. This blanches them perfectly. After cooking, drain both the pasta and broccoli. Save about 1 cup of the starchy water for later. In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a bit of heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it brown. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything for about 3-4 minutes. This warms the chicken and softens the tomatoes. Next, add the drained pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to mix everything well. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time. This helps create a creamy texture. Then, fold in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste. Once mixed, it’s time to serve. Plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for a lovely look. Top it with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! - You can adjust heat levels in this dish. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, skip them. - For creaminess, use reserved pasta water. It helps bind the sauce and adds flavor. Just add a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. - Avoid browning garlic. Browned garlic can taste bitter. Just sauté until it smells great. - To get the right al dente texture, cook pasta until it has a slight bite. Follow package instructions closely. Don’t forget to check a minute or two before time is up! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta to al dente ensures the noodles retain a bit of bite, which will help them hold up better when mixed with the sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce without watering down the flavor. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrients. {{image_4}} You can swap out the pasta for zoodles or whole grain options. Zoodles add a fresh twist and keep things light. Whole grain pasta offers extra fiber and nutrients. You can also mix in different veggies. Spinach works great for color and flavor. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and pairs well with chicken. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that taste great and cook well. For a vegan option, swap the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also use nutritional yeast to replace Parmesan cheese. Both options still give you a tasty meal without animal products. Store your leftover Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can enjoy it for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This will stop extra moisture from forming. You can freeze the pasta if you want to save it for later. Just put it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm up. Stir often until it is heated through. This keeps the pasta from drying out. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole grain pasta for added fiber. - Replace olive oil with a light spray of cooking oil. - Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Use less cheese or try a low-fat cheese option. - Limit added salt and use fresh herbs for flavor. These changes help cut fat and calories while keeping the taste great. Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Here’s how: - Cook about 1 pound of chicken breast in a skillet. - Add some olive oil and cook until it’s no longer pink. - This takes about 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness. - Shred the chicken once it’s cooked. - Then mix it into the pasta with the other ingredients. This way, you can enjoy fresh chicken in your dish. Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta pairs nicely with: - A fresh garden salad for crunch and freshness. - Garlic bread for a tasty side. - A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. - Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink. These options enhance your meal without overpowering it. To reheat this pasta without losing flavor: - Use a skillet over medium heat. - Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. - You can also microwave it in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through for even heating. This dish combines simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, pasta, and fresh broccoli to create a flavorful meal. You learned effective steps to cook and combine everything perfectly. With a few tips, you can enhance the taste and make it your own. Remember, you can swap ingredients or modify the recipe to suit your diet. Whether you're storing leftovers or reheating, these tips help keep your dish fresh. Enjoy this delicious pasta dish anytime, knowing it’s both quick and satisfying.

Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a lemony olive oil sauce.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 8 ounces pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a generously sized pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. In the final three minutes of cooking, gently add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant—take care not to let it brown as it can become bitter.
  • To the skillet, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Add the drained pasta and blanched broccoli into the skillet, tossing gently to combine all ingredients. If the mixture feels dry, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Fold in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined and flavorful.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and gently mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper, if desired.
  • Plate the vibrant pasta dish generously. Top with fresh basil leaves and add extra grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

Serve in wide, shallow bowls with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, easy, pasta, quick