High Protein Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
High protein creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. Easy to make with pre-cooked chicken for a delicious dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Protein & Pasta Core
01 -
12 oz high-protein pasta (such as chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat penne)
02 -
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole 2-lb chicken, deboned)
→ Creamy Dream Sauce Base
03 -
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
08 -
1/2 cup 2% milk
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vibrant Veggies & Aromatics
10 -
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
→ Flavor Enhancers & Fresh Finish
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 -
1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
14 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water, then set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add 4 oz light cream cheese, softened, and 1/2 cup 2% milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
04 -
Add the cooked high-protein pasta, broccoli, and 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken to the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to coat. This is the core of your High Protein Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
05 -
Continue to cook the High Protein Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. Ensure the chicken is heated through.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish your High Protein Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, before serving immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, peas, or chopped bell peppers. Add spinach at the very end to wilt.
02 -
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
03 -
For an even richer sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors.
04 -
To further boost protein, consider stirring in a scoop of unflavored protein powder (whey or casein) into the sauce before adding the pasta, ensuring it dissolves completely.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Grater
08 -
Spatula or wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 685 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 51 g