Description
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting, and nutritious meal combining tender rotisserie chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and a family-friendly dish that satisfies with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them until crisp-tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: To the sautéed aromatics, add vegetable broth, plant-based cheese, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well while gently heating to melt the cheese and combine flavors. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and whisk briskly until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta: Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the sauce, folding everything together until every ingredient is well coated in the luscious sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Finish by stirring in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and aromatic freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken for better blending with pasta and sauce.
- Do not overcook broccoli to preserve its bright color and crunch.
- Warm the sauce gently to keep the plant-based cheese smooth and creamy.
- Add seasoning gradually and taste as you go for perfect flavor balance.
- Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed and help it cling better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: rotisserie chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, plant-based cheese sauce, quick dinner, creamy pasta, family-friendly meal