Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration
I absolutely love how quick and effortless this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo comes together. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. The creamy Alfredo sauce combines seamlessly with tender broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken, creating a comforting meal that everyone in my family enjoys. I find the balance of flavors so satisfying, especially with the hint of garlic that elevates the dish. It’s a true winner for busy evenings and family gatherings alike.
When I first tried making Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, I was amazed at how easily the flavors melded together. The secret is to let the chicken, broccoli, and pasta simmer in the Alfredo sauce just long enough for everything to absorb that delicious creaminess. I also recommend saving a splash of pasta water; it helps to loosen the sauce and ties everything into a lovely consistency.
Another tip I discovered is to season the sauce gradually. Start with garlic and then adjust with salt and pepper to taste. It’s remarkable how this simple change can elevate the dish and make all the ingredients shine. I now make it at least once a week!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Alfredo sauce that envelops every bite
- Tender broccoli adds a nutritious crunch
- Quick and easy to prepare with rotisserie chicken
Perfecting the Alfredo Sauce
Creating a creamy Alfredo sauce can be a delicate balance between richness and texture. Use heavy cream for the base; its high fat content helps achieve a velvety consistency. As you bring the cream to a gentle simmer, be sure not to boil it, which can lead to separation. Stir in fresh grated Parmesan cheese gradually after removing the pan from the heat. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
If you prefer a bit of depth in flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. This subtle spice can enhance the richness without overpowering the dish. Additionally, for a more prominent garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic longer until it turns a light golden brown before adding the cream. Just make sure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can add bitterness to your sauce.
Broccoli Cooking Tips
For the broccoli, bright green florets not only look appealing but also ensure that they're perfectly tender. When sautéing, don’t overcrowd the skillet; this can lead to steaming instead of getting that slight char and tenderness. If you have leftover broccoli or prefer a different vegetable, asparagus or zucchini are great alternatives that can be used in this recipe, retaining a nice crunch while adding different flavors.
To maintain the vibrant color of the broccoli, you can briefly blanched before sautéing. Just cook the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This method can enhance both the texture and visual appeal of the dish, making your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo aesthetically pleasing and appetizing.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to get started:
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a delicious meal!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your meal:
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Sauté Broccoli
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo!
Enjoy your meal and delight in the flavors of your hard work!
Pro Tips
- For an added touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top before serving. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the Alfredo sauce and sauté the broccoli in advance, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply boil fresh pasta and reheat the sauce on the stove, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamy consistency.
If you want to make it even easier, consider portioning the cooked fettuccine and the chicken separately. This allows you to quickly assemble your meal. Just remember to warm the chicken gently to avoid drying it out, ideally in the same skillet you used for the sauce.
Reheating Tips
When reheating your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating and a rubbery texture for the chicken. Instead, warm it gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a bit of extra cream or butter to revive that luscious sauce. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking, and watch for the chicken to reach a safe temperature without overcooking.
If the sauce thickens too much during storage, you can incorporate a small amount of reserved pasta water or additional cream while reheating. This not only brings back the desired consistency but also keeps every bite creamy and satisfying, just like when it was freshly made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken. Just make sure to season it well.
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or spaghetti.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based cream, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and omit the chicken or use vegan substitutes.
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
I absolutely love how quick and effortless this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo comes together. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. The creamy Alfredo sauce combines seamlessly with tender broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken, creating a comforting meal that everyone in my family enjoys. I find the balance of flavors so satisfying, especially with the hint of garlic that elevates the dish. It’s a true winner for busy evenings and family gatherings alike.
Created by: Tamsyn Calder
Recipe Type: Warm Inspiration
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo!
Extra Tips
- For an added touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top before serving. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 760mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g