Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration
I love making Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo because it's a quick and scrumptious way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish always satisfies my cravings for Italian flavors. Using a rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that makes my family come back for seconds!
When I first made Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, I was amazed at how easily I could combine ingredients for such a gourmet flavor. I had bought a rotisserie chicken, and it inspired me to create a simple yet delectable dish that I could have on the table in under 30 minutes. The key to bringing everything together is using high-quality Alfredo sauce, which beautifully coats the pasta and vegetables.
As I experimented with the recipe, I found that lightly steaming the broccoli preserved its bright color and crunchy texture, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s a dish that has become a family favorite, and I love that it leaves everyone satisfied without needing hours of cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Creamy Alfredo sauce that envelops every bite
- A balance of protein and veggies in one dish
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When preparing Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, the quality of your ingredients can greatly enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for a high-quality Alfredo sauce, whether homemade or store-bought. A creamy sauce with rich flavors will coat the fettuccine and chicken beautifully, elevating each bite. For those who prefer homemade, a simple mixture of heavy cream, butter, and garlic can create an exceptional base.
Choosing fresh, vibrant broccoli is also essential. Look for florets that are bright green and firm. If you want to add a touch of color and flavor, consider incorporating some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These ingredients not only improve the dish's visual appeal but also add a dimension of flavor that complements the creamy Alfredo wonderfully.
Perfecting Your Cooking Technique
Cooking the fettuccine to the perfect al dente texture is crucial for balancing the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce. The pasta should be tender yet firm enough to hold its shape when mixed with the other ingredients. Follow the package instructions closely, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. Drain your pasta just before reaching your preferred texture, as it will continue to cook slightly once it’s combined with the heat of the sauce.
When steaming the broccoli, aim for a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture. Overcooking will lead to a mushy texture and diminished flavor. Timing is key; keep an eye on your broccoli, and after about 3-4 minutes, remove it from heat when it still maintains a slight crunch. This step not only preserves nutritional value but also provides a pleasing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients will come together to create a delightful meal!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli
In a separate pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil and place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
Combine Everything
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine and warm the chicken through, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in Pasta and Broccoli
Add the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Mix well, and if the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta or add other vegetables you enjoy.
Tips for Customization
Feel free to customize your Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo based on your dietary preferences. You can substitute gluten-free fettuccine or even use spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, for a lower-carb option. If you're looking to add a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can bring a new level of flavor without overpowering the dish's creamy profile.
To enrich the dish, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which can provide an additional layer of flavor and nutrition. These ingredients not only mix well but also enrich the overall texture, giving a nice variation that keeps the meal interesting.
Make-Ahead and Storage
For those busy nights, you can prepare components of Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo ahead of time. Cook the fettuccine and steam the broccoli earlier in the day, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the pasta and broccoli together before combining with the chicken and Alfredo sauce, minimizing your dinnertime fuss.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess of the sauce.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Using store-bought Alfredo sauce saves time and still delivers great flavor.
→ What can I substitute for fettuccine?
You can use any pasta type such as penne or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking or after cooking. Just thaw and reheat in the oven or stovetop when ready to serve.
→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, for a delicious vegetarian option.
Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
I love making Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo because it's a quick and scrumptious way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish always satisfies my cravings for Italian flavors. Using a rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that makes my family come back for seconds!
Created by: Tamsyn Calder
Recipe Type: Warm Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a separate pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil and place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine and warm the chicken through, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Mix well, and if the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta or add other vegetables you enjoy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g