Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

You know those nights when you’re starving, but the thought of cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest? This high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is my go-to lifesaver. It’s ready in 25 minutes flat and packs a whopping 35 grams of protein per serving – perfect for post-workout recovery or just getting through a busy weeknight. I discovered this hack when I was juggling grad school and two jobs, leaning hard on that golden rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. The best part? My picky toddler actually eats the broccoli when it’s tossed with garlicky pasta and melty parmesan. Winner winner chicken dinner, indeed!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s your new weeknight superhero! Here’s why it never fails me:

• Fast as takeout: From fridge to fork in 25 minutes (I’ve timed it while chasing a toddler)
• Protein powerhouse: That rotisserie chicken does double duty, giving you 35g protein per serving
• Sneaky veggie win: The broccoli gets irresistibly crispy-tender and actually gets eaten
• Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients I always have on hand for last-minute dinners
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better next day – if there’s any left!

Trust me, this one’s going straight to your regular rotation.

Ingredients for High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Okay, let’s grab our stuff! The beauty here is how simple everything is. You’ll need:

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta (I like penne or rotini – they grab the sauce!)
• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded (use the dark and white meat for maximum flavor)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, trust me!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (get the good stuff from the refrigerated section)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (plus more for the pasta water!)

How to Make High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to pour yourself a glass of wine (though I highly recommend doing that too). Here’s exactly how I make it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil – I use about 1 tablespoon of salt because it flavors the pasta from the inside out. Toss in your whole wheat pasta and set a timer for 1 minute less than the package says (we want it al dente – that perfect bite!). Pro tip: scoop out about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining – it’ll help make everything silky later!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for just 30 seconds – until it smells amazing but before it browns. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them bright green with a slight crispness – they’ll keep cooking when we add everything else!

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Now the fun part! Add the shredded chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together – I use tongs and sort of lift-and-turn to keep the pasta from breaking. If it looks dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it’s perfectly coated.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper. Give it one last gentle toss – the residual heat will melt the cheese into creamy perfection. Taste and adjust seasoning – I usually add an extra pinch of salt at this point. And voila! Dinner is served in less time than it takes to watch an episode of The Office.

Tips for Perfect High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

After making this dish at least twice a week for the past year (no joke!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Broccoli texture is key: Cut florets small and uniform so they cook evenly – nobody likes mushy broccoli!
• Chicken hack: Use kitchen shears to shred the rotisserie chicken right in the container – saves 5 minutes and cleanup
• Pasta water gold: That starchy liquid is magic for creating a silky sauce – don’t skip reserving it!
• Cheese upgrade: For extra richness, mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella with the parmesan

Bonus tip: If your pasta seems dry when reheating, splash in a tablespoon of chicken broth before microwaving.

Variations for High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Honestly, this recipe is like a blank canvas! Sometimes I swap broccoli for cauliflower when it’s on sale, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. My husband loves when I stir in sun-dried tomatoes or swap the parmesan for feta – it completely transforms the dish! Don’t be afraid to play around with what you’ve got in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This pasta is practically a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad or garlic bread when I’m feeling fancy. Each hearty serving fills a standard dinner plate – perfect for keeping you satisfied! My kids go crazy when I serve it with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side (they burst in your mouth like little flavor bombs). For extra protein, sometimes I’ll add a soft-boiled egg on top – the runny yolk makes everything better!

Storage and Reheating

This pasta keeps like a dream in the fridge! I always stash leftovers in an airtight container – they stay fresh for up to 3 days (though honestly, mine never lasts that long). For reheating, I splash a tablespoon of water or chicken broth over the top before microwaving for 60-90 seconds. If you’re feeling fancy, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a drizzle of olive oil to bring back that just-cooked texture. Pro tip: The broccoli stays brighter green if you let it come to room temp before reheating!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I’ve crunched the numbers on this high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta because honestly? I was shocked at how good it is for you! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact nutrition will vary based on your ingredients (especially how much parmesan you “accidentally” add). Each generous serving packs about:

• 420 calories (perfect for a satisfying meal)
• 35g protein (thanks to that glorious rotisserie chicken!)
• 45g carbs (the good kind from whole wheat pasta)
• 6g fiber (broccoli for the win!)

And here’s my favorite part – it’s lighter than most restaurant pasta dishes while being way more filling. That protein keeps you satisfied for hours! Of course, if you’re tracking macros strictly, you’ll want to measure your exact ingredients – but for a quick, healthy dinner? This one’s a home run.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta ALL the time – here are the questions that pop up most:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat it dry first, or toss it in frozen (add an extra minute of cooking time). The texture won’t be quite as crisp, but it still tastes great in a pinch.

How can I make this even higher protein?

Easy upgrades! Stir in a scoop of ricotta cheese at the end, swap regular pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta, or top with an extra handful of shredded chicken. My gym buddy adds Greek yogurt instead of some parmesan – sounds weird but it works!

Will this work with other proteins?

Oh yeah – leftover turkey, canned tuna, or even white beans make great subs for rotisserie chicken. I’ve used them all when my grocery budget was tight!

Why whole wheat pasta?

It packs more fiber and protein than regular pasta, plus it gives the dish a nice nutty flavor. But don’t stress – regular pasta works fine too if that’s what you’ve got!

My pasta turned out dry – help!

No worries! Next time reserve more pasta water (that starchy liquid is gold!). For now, just drizzle with a bit of olive oil or chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

Share Your Feedback

Did you make this high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or snap a photo of your masterpiece – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen victories. Now go enjoy that delicious dinner!

Print