Print

Quick High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Easy Healthy Dinner

high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy high protein pasta dish featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (white or dark meat)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) penne or fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (5-7 minutes): 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.
  2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli (10-12 minutes): 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.
  3. Make the Sauce (8-10 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons 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.
  4. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Chicken (3-5 minutes): 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.
  5. Final Check and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain tender-crisp. Remove chicken skin for cleaner texture or keep for extra flavor. Reserved pasta water helps sauce cling better. If sauce thickens after resting, loosen with broth or milk before reheating. Recipe scales easily for larger portions.

Nutrition

Keywords: rotisserie chicken pasta, high protein pasta, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, healthy dinner, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/quick-high-protein-rotisserie-chicken-broccoli-pasta-recipe-easy-healthy-dinner/